Improving mobility and functional independence in persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly experience restrictions in mobility and everyday functional activities. A wide range of factors including physical, psychological, environmental and economic issues may contribute to these difficulties. This is particularly the case as the disease evolves, and the impairments and disabilities become more numerous, inter-related and hence more complex. Effective management of these complex problems requires assessment and intervention from a variety of different perspectives by using a coordinated, goal-oriented, multi-disciplinary management approach. Crucially, it requires management to be considered from a long-term perspective rather than as a fragmented series of isolated “quick-fixes”.