Tailored Telerehabilitation as a Tool for Reducing Fatigue Severity and Improving Functional Independence among Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Chronic Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term neurological condition that impairs independence and daily functioning. As there is no cure, rehabilitation is a crucial element of care. Telerehabilitation offers an accessible, cost-effective approach that reduces travel barriers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored telerehabilitation in reducing fatigue severity and improving functional independence, self-management, and overall health status among adults with MS.

A quasi-experimental trial design was used. A total of 120 adults with MS were assigned equally to intervention and control groups. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's King Saud Medical City Outpatient Clinic, served as the site of this investigation. Six validated tools measured knowledge, fatigue severity, functional independence, self-management, and health status at baseline, one month, and three months.

The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge (+85% from baseline), functional independence (+70%), and reduced fatigue severity (−73%) compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Self-management scores increased by 179%, and overall health profile scores improved markedly.

Tailored telerehabilitation is effective in enhancing knowledge, functional independence, MS self-management, and health status while reducing fatigue severity in adults with MS.

This was a single-center study with a moderate sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Replication in larger studies using probability-based sampling is recommended.