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CMSC 2026

Current Topics and Trends in Rehabilitation Part 1 Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation in Focus: Evidence-based Interventions to Improve Mobility Deficits

Moderator/Chair: Patty Bobryk , MHS,PT,MSCS,ATP
The heterogeneous presentation and unpredictable progression of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) result in a unique challenge for clinicians. Compared to other neurological diagnoses commonly seen by rehabilitation clinicians, limited evidence is available to guide intervention. A large share of the evidence has focused on exercise (i.e., generalized conditioning and fitness activities) rather than disease-specific therapeutic interventions to improve mobility and minimize disability progression. Accordingly, in order to utilize evidence-based practice, rehabilitation clinicians are obligated to adapt treatment strategies from non-MS populations and to rely on their prior clinical experience. The purpose of this session is (1) to review the current pathophysiology and medical management of pwMS as they pertain to examination, evaluation, and intervention for mobility, (2) describe a model of care for clinicians integrating the best available evidence and clinical experiences of the presenting authors, and (3) propose a framework to address the unmet needs for clinical practice. Key topics will include development of personalized interventions addressing specific mobility challenges faced by pwMS (e.g., fatigue, falls, and gait restrictions). Selection and interpretation of MS-specific outcome measures to guide treatment planning and monitor progress will be explored. An overarching goal is to ensure that interventions are appropriate to the evaluation findings and adaptable to the changing needs of our patients. Barriers to effective management including lack of consolidated clinical guidelines and need for interdisciplinary collaboration will be presented. With this presentation, we hope to advance current clinical knowledge in rehabilitation management of MS. Level of Information: Basic, IntermediateThe heterogeneous presentation and unpredictable progression of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) result in a unique challenge for clinicians. Compared to other neurological diagnoses commonly seen by rehabilitation clinicians, limited evidence is available to guide intervention. A large share of the evidence has focused on exercise (i.e., generalized conditioning and fitness activities) rather than disease-specific therapeutic interventions to improve mobility and minimize disability progression. Accordingly, in order to utilize evidence-based practice, rehabilitation clinicians are obligated to adapt treatment strategies from non-MS populations and to rely on their prior clinical experience. The purpose of this session is (1) to review the current pathophysiology and medical management of pwMS as they pertain to examination, evaluation, and intervention for mobility, (2) describe a model of care for clinicians integrating the best available evidence and clinical experiences of the presenting authors, and (3) propose a framework to address the unmet needs for clinical practice. Key topics will include development of personalized interventions addressing specific mobility challenges faced by pwMS (e.g., fatigue, falls, and gait restrictions). Selection and interpretation of MS-specific outcome measures to guide treatment planning and monitor progress will be explored. An overarching goal is to ensure that interventions are appropriate to the evaluation findings and adaptable to the changing needs of our patients. Barriers to effective management including lack of consolidated clinical guidelines and need for interdisciplinary collaboration will be presented. With this presentation, we hope to advance current clinical knowledge in rehabilitation management of MS. Level of Information: Basic, Intermediate

Presentations in This Session

Introductions and Opening Remarks

Speaker/s: Evan T. Cohen, PT, MA, PhD, NCS

Current Understanding of MS Pathophysiology and Medical Management

Speaker/s: Evan T. Cohen, PT, MA, PhD, NCS

The State of the Evidence for Mobility Rehabilitation for People with MS

Speaker/s: Evan T. Cohen, PT, MA, PhD, NCS | Herbert I. Karpatkin, PT, DSc, GCS, NCS, MSCS | ,

Model of Care Integration

Speaker/s: Gregory Brusola, PT, DPT, PhD

Addressing the Unmet Needs of our Patients with MS

Speaker/s: Gregory Brusola, PT, DPT, PhD