Effects of Sensory Interventions on Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is 1 of the most common and annoying symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sensory interventions on fatigue in people with MS based on a systematic review of sensory evidence. Methods: The Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 1990 to July 2020. Studies with nonpharmacologic sensory interventions as a main or secondary intervention according to the assessment of fatigue as the primary or secondary therapy outcome in patients with MS were included. Results: Nine articles were reviewed by examining the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four types of interventions were related to exercises, including sensory integration exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, Frenkel exercises, and exercises with or without vibration; and 2 types were performed using robots and 1 type using vibration only. Vestibular rehabilitation therapies, exercise-based sensory integration interventions, and the use of vibration have shown significant effects in relieving fatigue in patients with MS. Conclusions: The evidence in this study is insufficient to show a dramatic effect of sensory integration therapy in various forms. However, despite the studies, sensory integration therapy can be considered a potential treatment for fatigue in patients with MS. Further studies with stronger methods are needed to make this treatment a reality.