Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Complementary and alternative therapies in multiple sclerosis: a systematic literature classification and analysis

  • Review article
  • Published:
Acta Neurologica Belgica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction and aim

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease determined by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Despite the extensive utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in MS, there is a need to have comprehensive evidence regarding their application in the management of MS symptoms. This manuscript is a Systematic Literature Review and classification (SLR) of CAM therapies for the management of MS symptoms based on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) model.

Method

Studies published between 1990 and 2020 IN PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Pro-Quest, and Google Scholar using CAM therapies for the management of MS symptoms were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-one papers on the subject were analyzed and classified. The findings of this review clearly show that mindfulness, yoga, and reflexology were frequently used for managing MS symptoms. Moreover, most of the papers used mindfulness and yoga as a CAM therapy for the management of MS symptoms, which mostly devoted to mental functions such as fatigue, depression, cognition, neuromuscular functions such as gait, muscle strength, and spasticity, and sensory function such as balance, in addition to, reflexology is vastly used to management of mental functions of MS patients.

Conclusion

Evidence suggested that CAM therapies in patients with MS have the potential to target and enhancement numerous elements outlined in the ICF model. Although the use of CAM therapies in MS symptom management is promising, there is a need for strict clinical trials. Future research direction should concentrate on methodologically powerful studies to find out the potential efficacy of CAM intervention.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

MS:

Multiple sclerosis

CNS:

Central nervous system

CAM:

Complementary and alternative medicine

SLR:

Systematic literature review and classification

ICF:

International classification of functioning disability and health

PRISMA:

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses

QoL:

Quality of Life

BBS:

Berg Balance Scale

EDSS:

Expanded disability status scale

HLGI:

Healing light-guided imagery

FDA:

Food and drug administration

References

  1. Khayeri F, Rabiei L, Shamsalinia A, Masoudi R (2016) Effect of Fordyce Happiness Model on depression, stress, anxiety, and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 25:130–135

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Jiang D (2010) Analysis of the effectiveness of TCM treatment of multiple sclerosis. J Chin Med 92:13

    Google Scholar 

  3. Daltrozzo T, Hapfelmeier A, Donnachie E, Schneider A, Hemmer B (2018) A systematic assessment of prevalence, incidence and regional distribution of multiple sclerosis in Bavaria from 2006 to 2015. Front Neurol 9:871

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Harirchiana MFF, Sarrafa P, Mohammadzadeh N, Bitarafan S (2018) Worldwide prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 20:43–47

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bezzini DPL, Profili F, Meucci G, Ulivelli M, Bartalini S, Francesconi P, Battaglia M (2018) Multiple sclerosis incidence in Tuscany from administrative data. Neurological Sci 39:1881–1885

    Google Scholar 

  6. Karpatkin H, Napolione D, Siminovich-Blok B (2014) Acupuncture and multiple sclerosis: a review of the evidence. Evid-Based Complementary Altern Med 2014:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  7. Sherri ALKM (2009) A review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by people with multiple sclerosis. Occup Ther Int 16:57–70

    Google Scholar 

  8. Song L, Zhou Q-H, Wang H-L, Liao F-J, Hua L, Zhang H-F et al (2017) Chinese herbal medicine adjunct therapy in patients with acute relapse of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Ther Med 31:71–81

    Google Scholar 

  9. Farzaei MH, Shahpiri Z, Bahramsoltani R, Najafi F, Rahimi R (2017) Efficacy and tolerability of phytomedicines in multiple sclerosis patients: a review. CNS Drugs 31(10):867–889

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Bowling AC (2010) Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis. CONTINUUM Lifelong Learn Neurology 16(5):78–89

    Google Scholar 

  11. Ostermann T, Schmid W (2006) Music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive literature review. Expert Rev Neurother 6(4):469–477

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Bowling AC, Stewart TM (2003) Current complementary and alternative therapies for multiple sclerosis. Curr Treat Options Neurol 5(1):55–68

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Salgado R, de Paula Vasconcelos LA (2010) The use of dance in the rehabilitation of a patient with multiple sclerosis. Am J Dance Ther 32(1):53–63

    Google Scholar 

  14. Yadav V, Shinto L, Bourdette D (2010) Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 6(3):381–395

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Bowling AC, Ibrahim R, Stewart TM (2000) Alternative medicine and multiple sclerosis: an objective review from an American perspective. Int J MS Care 2(3):15–28

    Google Scholar 

  16. Schwarz S, Knorr C, Geiger H, Flachenecker P (2008) Complementary and alternative medicine for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J 14(8):1113–1119

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Huybregts E, Betz W, Devroey D (2018) The use of traditional and complementary medicine among patients with multiple sclerosis in Belgium. J Med Life 11(2):128–136

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Bowling AC (2011) Complementary and alternative medicine and multiple sclerosis. Neurol Clin 29(2):465–480

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Yadav VBJC, Bowen J et al (2014) Summary of evidence-based guideline: complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: report of the guideline development subcommittee of the American academy of neurology. Neurology 82:1083–1092

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Apel A, Greim B, Zettl U (2007) Complementary and alternative medicine and coping in neuroimmunological diseases. J Neurol 254(2):II112–II115

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Skovgaard L, Nicolajsen PH, Pedersen E, Kant M, Fredrikson S, Verhoef M et al (2012) Use of complementary and alternative medicine among people with multiple sclerosis in the Nordic countries. Autoimmune Dis 2012:1–13

    Google Scholar 

  22. Gotta M, Mayer CA, Huebner J (2018) Use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with multiple sclerosis in Germany. Complement Ther Med 36:113–117

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Marrie RA, Hadjimichael O, Vollmer T (2003) Predictors of alternative medicine use by multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler J 9(5):461–466

    Google Scholar 

  24. Apel-Neu A, Zettl U (2008) Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 255(6):82–86

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Masullo L, Papas MA, Cotugna N, Baker S, Mahoney L, Trabulsi J (2015) Complementary and alternative medicine use and nutrient intake among individuals with multiple sclerosis in the United States. J Commun Health 40(1):153–160

    Google Scholar 

  26. Huntley A, Ernst E (2000) Complementary and alternative therapies for treating multiple sclerosis symptoms: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med 8(2):97–105

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Farinotti M, Vacchi L, Simi S, Di Pietrantonj C, Brait L, Filippini G (2012) Dietary interventions for multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 12:CD004192

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Thomas PW, Thomas S, Hillier C, Galvin K, Baker R (2006) Psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1:CD004431

    Google Scholar 

  29. Rietberg MB, Brooks D, Uitdehaag BM, Kwakkel G (2005) Exercise therapy for multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1:CD003980

    Google Scholar 

  30. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG (2009) Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Ann Intern Med 151(4):264–269

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Arji GAH, Nilashi M, Tarik AR, Ahmed O, Aljojo A, Zainol A (2019) Fuzzy logic approach for infectious disease diagnosis: A methodical evaluation, literature and classification. Biocybern Biomed Eng 39:937–955

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Werb D, Rowell G, Guyatt G, Kerr T, Montaner J, Wood E (2011) Effect of drug law enforcement on drug market violence: a systematic review. Int J Drug Policy 22(2):87–94

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Heapy AA, Higgins DM, Cervone D, Wandner L, Fenton BT, Kerns RD (2015) A systematic review of technology-assisted self-management interventions for chronic pain. Clin J Pain 31(6):470–492

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Posadzki P, Ernst E, Terry R, Lee MS (2011) Is yoga effective for pain? A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 19(5):281–287

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Darko A, Chan AP, Adabre MA, Edwards DJ, Hosseini MR, Ameyaw EE (2020) Artificial intelligence in the AEC industry: scientometric analysis and visualization of research activities. Automat Constr 112:103081

    Google Scholar 

  36. Velikonja O, Čurić K, Ožura A, Jazbec SŠ (2010) Influence of sports climbing and yoga on spasticity, cognitive function, mood and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 112(7):597–601

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Wesselius T, Heersema DJ, Mostert JP, Heerings M, Admiraal-Behloul F, Talebian A et al (2005) A randomized crossover study of bee sting therapy for multiple sclerosis. Neurology 65(11):1764–1768

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Motl RW, Pilutti LA (2012) The benefits of exercise training in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 8(9):487

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Steiner WA, Ryser L, Huber E, Uebelhart D, Aeschlimann A, Stucki G (2002) Use of the ICF model as a clinical problem-solving tool in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine. Phys Ther 82(11):1098–1107

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Siev-Ner I, Gamus D, Lerner-Geva L, Achiron A (2003) Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study. Mult Scler J 9(4):356–361

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Kabat-Zinn J, Living F (1990) Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Bantam Doubleday Dell, New York, NY, p 2383411

    Google Scholar 

  42. Carlson LE, Doll R, Stephen J, Faris P, Tamagawa R, Drysdale E et al (2013) Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cancer recovery versus supportive expressive group therapy for distressed survivors of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 31(25):3119–3126

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Loucks EB, Gilman SE, Britton WB, Gutman R, Eaton CB, Buka SL (2016) Associations of mindfulness with glucose regulation and diabetes. Am J Health Behav 40(2):258–267

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Larouche E, Hudon C, Goulet S (2015) Potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: an interdisciplinary perspective. Behav Brain Res 276:199–212

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Cramer H, Lauche R, Azizi H, Dobos G, Langhorst J (2014) Yoga for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 9(11):e112414

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Young HJ, Mehta TS, Herman C, Wang F, Rimmer JH (2019) The Effects of M2M and adapted yoga on physical and psychosocial outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 100(3):391–400

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Najafi P, Moghadasi M (2017) The effect of yoga training on enhancement of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels in female patients with multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 26:21–25

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Najafidoulatabad S, Mohebbi Z, Nooryan K (2014) Yoga effects on physical activity and sexual satisfaction among the Iranian women with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 11(5):78–82

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Guner S, Inanici F (2015) Yoga therapy and ambulatory multiple sclerosis Assessment of gait analysis parameters, fatigue and balance. J Bodyw Mov Ther 19(1):72–81

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Telles S, Singh N, Bhardwaj AK, Kumar A, Balkrishna A (2013) Effect of yoga or physical exercise on physical, cognitive and emotional measures in children: a randomized controlled trial. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 7(1):37

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Patel NK, Newstead AH, Ferrer RL (2012) The effects of yoga on physical functioning and health related quality of life in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med 18(10):902–917

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Mackereth PA, Booth K, Hillier VF, Caress A-L (2009) Reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis: a crossover trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 15(1):14–21

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Ozdelikara A, Agcadiken AS (2018) The effects of reflexology on fatigue and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis. Altern Ther Health Med 24(4):8–13

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Lee H, Park H-J, Park J, Kim M-J, Hong M, Yang J et al (2007) Acupuncture application for neurological disorders. Neurol Res 29(sup1):49–54

    Google Scholar 

  55. McGuire C (2003) Acupuncture in the treatment of fatigue in a patient with multiple sclerosis: case study. Physiotherapy 89(11):637–640

    Google Scholar 

  56. Vickers AJ, Straus DJ, Fearon B, Cassileth BR (2004) Acupuncture for postchemotherapy fatigue: a phase II study. J Clin Oncol 22(9):1731–1735

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Molassiotis A, Sylt P, Diggins H (2007) The management of cancer-related fatigue after chemotherapy with acupuncture and acupressure: a randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 15(4):228–237

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Ziemssen T (2011) Symptom management in patients with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 311:S48–S52

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Boissy AR, Cohen JA (2007) Multiple sclerosis symptom management. Expert Rev Neurother 7(9):1213–1222

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Crayton HJ, Rossman HS (2006) Managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a multimodal approach. Clin Ther 28(4):445–460

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Sullivan AB, Domingo S (2017) Interdisciplinary treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. Nutrition and lifestyle in neurological autoimmune diseases. Elsevier, pp 213–219

    Google Scholar 

  62. McCaffrey AM, Pugh GF, O’Connor BB (2007) Understanding patient preference for integrative medical care: results from patient focus groups. J Gen Intern Med 22(11):1500–1505

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  63. Launsø LHN (2007) Bridge building and integrative treatment of people with multiple sclerosis. Research based evaluation of a team-building process. J Complement Integr Med. https://doi.org/10.2202/1553-3840.1046

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Miller RE (1996) An investigation into the management of the spasticity experienced by some patients with multiple sclerosis using acupuncture based on traditional Chinese medicine. Complement Ther Med 4(1):58–62

    Google Scholar 

  65. Burks JS, Bigley GK, Hill HH (2009) Rehabilitation challenges in multiple sclerosis. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 12(4):296

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  66. Ben-Arye E, Frenkel M, Klein A, Scharf M (2008) Attitudes toward integration of complementary and alternative medicine in primary care: perspectives of patients, physicians and complementary practitioners. Patient Educ Couns 70(3):395–402

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Pérez-Cerdá F, Sánchez-Gómez MV, Matute C (2016) The link of inflammation and neurodegeneration in progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Demyelinating Disord 1(1):9

    Google Scholar 

  68. Geurts JJ, Barkhof F (2008) Grey matter pathology in multiple sclerosis. The Lancet Neurol 7(9):841–851

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Bonavita S, Sacco R, Esposito S, d’Ambrosio A, Della Corte M, Corbo D et al (2017) Default mode network changes in multiple sclerosis: a link between depression and cognitive impairment? Eur J Neurol 24(1):27–36

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Penner IK (2016) Evaluation of cognition and fatigue in multiple sclerosis: daily practice and future directions. Acta Neurol Scand 134:19–23

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Nourbakhsh B, Azevedo C, Nunan-Saah J, Maghzi A-H, Spain R, Pelletier D et al (2016) Longitudinal associations between brain structural changes and fatigue in early MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 5:29–33

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Haider L, Simeonidou C, Steinberger G, Hametner S, Grigoriadis N, Deretzi G et al (2014) Multiple sclerosis deep grey matter: the relation between demyelination, neurodegeneration, inflammation and iron. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 85(12):1386–1395

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Turner AP, Alschuler KN, Hughes AJ, Beier M, Haselkorn JK, Sloan AP et al (2016) Mental health comorbidity in MS: depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 16(12):106

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Koch MW, Patten S, Berzins S, Zhornitsky S, Greenfield J, Wall W et al (2015) Depression in multiple sclerosis: a long-term longitudinal study. Mult Scler J 21(1):76–82

    Google Scholar 

  75. Schippling S, O’Connor P, Knappertz V, Pohl C, Bogumil T, Suarez G et al (2016) Incidence and course of depression in multiple sclerosis in the multinational BEYOND trial. J Neurol 263(7):1418–1426

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  76. Quispe-Cabanillas JG, Damasceno A, von Glehn F, Brandão CO, Damasceno BP, Silveira WD et al (2012) Impact of electroacupuncture on quality of life for patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis under treatment with immunomodulators: a randomized study. BMC Complement Altern Med 12(1):209

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Oken BS, Kishiyama S, Zajdel D, Bourdette D, Carlsen J, Haas M et al (2004) Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 62(11):2058–2064

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Kahraman T, Ozdogar AT, Yigit P, Hosgel I, Mehdiyev Z, Ertekin O et al (2018) Feasibility of a 6-month yoga program to improve the physical and psychosocial status of persons with multiple sclerosis and their family members. Explore (NY) 14(1):36–43

    Google Scholar 

  79. Grossman P, Kappos L, Gensicke H, D’Souza M, Mohr DC, Penner IK et al (2010) MS quality of life, depression, and fatigue improve after mindfulness training: a randomized trial. Neurology 75(13):1141–1149

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  80. Cavalera C, Rovaris M, Mendozzi L, Pugnetti L, Garegnani M, Castelnuovo G et al (2019) Online meditation training for people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial. Multiple Scler (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 25(4):610–617

    Google Scholar 

  81. Bogosian A, Chadwick P, Windgassen S, Norton S, McCrone P, Mosweu I et al (2015) Distress improves after mindfulness training for progressive MS: a pilot randomised trial. Multiple Scler (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 21(9):1184–1194

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Crescentini C, Matiz A, Cimenti M, Pascoli E, Eleopra R, Fabbro F (2018) Effect of mindfulness meditation on personality and psychological well-being in patients with multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care 20(3):101–108

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  83. Simpson R, Byrne S, Wood K, Mair FS, Mercer SW (2018) Optimising mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis. Chronic Illn 14(2):154–166

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Jensen MP, Battalio SL, Chan JF, Edwards KA, Day MA, Sherlin LH et al (2018) use of neurofeedback and mindfulness to enhance response to hypnosis treatment in individuals with multiple sclerosis: results from a pilot randomized clinical trial. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 66(3):231–264

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Hughes C, Smyth S, Lowe-Strong A (2009) Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial. Mult Scler J 15(11):1329–1338

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Jakimovski D, Topolski M, Genovese AV, Weinstock-Guttman B, Zivadinov R (2019) Vascular aspects of multiple sclerosis: emphasis on perfusion and cardiovascular comorbidities. Expert Rev Neurother 19(5):445–458

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Racosta JM, Kimpinski K, Morrow SA, Kremenchutzky M (2015) Autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Auton Neurosci 193:1–6

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Hosseini SS, Rajabi H, Sahraian MA, Moradi M, Mehri K, Abolhasani M (2018) Effects of 8-week home-based yoga and resistance training on muscle strength, functional capacity and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study. Asian J Sports Med. https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.68807

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Hochsprung A, Granja Dominguez A, Magni E, Escudero Uribe S, Moreno GA (2017) Effect of visual biofeedback cycling training on gait in patients with multiple sclerosis. Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 35(2):89–95

    Google Scholar 

  90. Citaker S, Gunduz AG, Guclu MB, Nazliel B, Irkec C, Kaya D (2011) Relationship between foot sensation and standing balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Gait Posture 34(2):275–278

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. de Oliveira G, Fernandes MdCCG, de Fariaoliveira JD, Rodrigues MR, Santaella DF (2016) Yoga training has positive effects on postural balance and its influence on activities of daily living in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Explore 12(5):325–332

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Ahmadi A, Nikbakh M, Arastoo A, Habibi A-H (2010) The effects of a yoga intervention on balance, speed and endurance of walking, fatigue and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. J Hum Kinet 23:71–78

    Google Scholar 

  93. Azimzadeh E, Hosseini MA, Nourozi K, Davidson PM (2015) Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on balance in women with multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 21(1):57–60

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Schilling ML, Beattie L, Bell K, Jacques O, Lyon C (2019) Effects of Tai Chi, fitness boxing, and video activities on the balance and endurance of a participant with multiple sclerosis: a case study. Act Adapt Aging 43(2):133–144

    Google Scholar 

  95. Burschka JM, Keune PM, Oy UH, Oschmann P, Kuhn P (2014) Mindfulness-based interventions in multiple sclerosis: beneficial effects of Tai Chi on balance, coordination, fatigue and depression. BMC Neurol 14:165

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  96. Ahmadi A, Habibi G, Farrokhnia M (2010) MS14, An Iranian herbal-marine compound for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Chin J Integr Med 16(3):270–271

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Husted C, Pham L, Hekking A, Niederman R (1999) Improving quality of life for people with chronic conditions: the example to t’ai chi and multiple sclerosis. Altern Ther Health Med 5(5):70

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Edwards IR, Aronson JK (2000) Adverse drug reactions: definitions, diagnosis, and management. The lancet 356(9237):1255–1259

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Donnellan CP, Shanley J (2008) Comparison of the effect of two types of acupuncture on quality of life in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a preliminary single-blind randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil 22(3):195–205

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Case LK, Jackson P, Kinkel R, Mills PJ (2018) Guided imagery improves mood, fatigue, and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis: an exploratory efficacy trial of healing light guided imagery. J Evid-Based Integr Med 23:2515690x17748744

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  101. Finch P, Becker P (2007) Changes in the self-efficacy of multiple sclerosis clients following massage therapy. J Bodyw Mov Ther 11(3):267–272

    Google Scholar 

  102. Niggemann B, Grüber C (2003) Side-effects of complementary and alternative medicine. Allergy 58(8):707–716

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Kesselring J, Coenen M, Cieza A, Thompson A, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G (2007) Developing the ICF Core Sets for multiple sclerosis to specify functioning. Mult Scler J 14(2):252–254

    Google Scholar 

  104. Holper L, Coenen M, Weise A, Stucki G, Cieza A, Kesselring J (2009) Characterization of functioning in multiple sclerosis using the ICF. J Neurol 257(1):103

    Google Scholar 

  105. Coenen M, Cieza A, Freeman J, Khan F, Miller D, Weise A et al (2011) The development of ICF Core Sets for multiple sclerosis: results of the International Consensus Conference. J Neurol 258(8):1477–1488

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Bardia AB, Debra L, Prokop LJB, Brent A, Moynihan TJ (2006) Efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapies in relieving cancer pain: a systematic review. J Clin Oncol 24(34):5457–5464

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. De Silva V, El-Metwally A, Ernst E, Lewith G, Macfarlane GJ (2010) Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of fibromyalgia: a systematic review. Rheumatology 49(6):1063–1068

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Siahpush M (1999) Why do people favour alternative medicine? Aust N Z J Public Health 23(3):266–271

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Criado MB, Santos MJ, Machado J, Gonçalves AM, Greten HJ (2017) Effects of acupuncture on gait of patients with multiple sclerosis. J Altern Complement Med 23(11):852–857

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Foroughipour M, Bahrami Taghanaki HR, Saeidi M, Khazaei M, Sasannezhad P, Shoeibi A (2013) Amantadine and the place of acupuncture in the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: an observational study. Acupunct Med 31(1):27–30

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Doulatabad SN, Nooreyan K, Doulatabad AN, Noubandegani ZM (2013) The effects of pranayama, hatha and raja yoga on physical pain and the quality of life of women with multiple sclerosis. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 10(1):49–52

    Google Scholar 

  112. Razazian N, Yavari Z, Farnia V, Azizi A, Kordavani L, Bahmani DS et al (2016) Exercising impacts on fatigue, depression, and paresthesia in female patients with multiple sclerosis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 48(5):796–803

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Carletto S, Borghi M, Francone D, Scavelli F, Bertino G, Cavallo M et al (2016) The efficacy of a mindfulness based intervention for depressive symptoms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Neurol 16(1):7

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  114. McClurg D, Ashe R, Marshall K, Lowe-Strong A (2006) Comparison of pelvic floor muscle training, electromyography biofeedback, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation for bladder dysfunction in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized pilot study. Neurourol Urodyn 25(4):337–348

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Wiens ME, Reimer MA, Guyn HL (1999) Music therapy as a treatment method for improving respiratory muscle strength in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Rehabilitation Nurs 24(2):74–80

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Soheili M, Nazari F, Shaygannejad V, Valiani M (2017) A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis. J Educ Health Promotion 6:1–11

    Google Scholar 

  117. Miller L, McIntee E, Mattison P (2013) Evaluation of the effects of reflexology on quality of life and symptomatic relief in multiple sclerosis patients with moderate to severe disability; a pilot study. Clin Rehabil 27(7):591–598

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Rezapour-Firouzi S, Arefhosseini SR, Mehdi F, Mehrangiz EM, Baradaran B, Sadeghihokmabad E et al (2013) Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients. Complement Ther Med 21(5):473–480

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Lara-Palomo I, Saavedra-Hernández M, Arroyo-Morales M, Moreno-Lorenzo C (2012) Hydrotherapy for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med 2012:8

    Google Scholar 

  120. Artemiadis AK, Vervainioti AA, Alexopoulos EC, Rombos A, Anagnostouli MC, Darviri C (2012) Stress management and multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 27(4):406–416

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Nahayati MA, Vaghar Seyyedin SA, Bahrami-Taghanki HR, Rezaee Z, Mehrpooya N, Rahimi H (2020) Effect of acupressure on stress and anxiety of patients with multiple sclerosis: a sham-controlled randomized clinical trial. Complement Med J 10(3):270–283

    Google Scholar 

  122. Oshvandi K, Aghamohammadi M, Kazemi F, Masoumi SZ, Mazdeh M, Vardanjani MM (2020) Effect of royal jelly capsule on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Iranian Red Crescent Med J https://doi.org/10.32592/ircmj.2020.22.10.74

  123. Rahimi H, Mehrpooya N, Vagharseyyedin S, BahramiTaghanaki H (2020) Self-acupressure for multiple sclerosis-related depression and fatigue: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. J Adv Med Biomed Res 28(130):276–283

    Google Scholar 

  124. Sajadi M, Davodabady F, Naseri-Salahshour V, Harorani M, Ebrahimi-Monfared M (2020) The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 48:102270

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Information Technology Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran

    Goli Arji

  2. Department of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

    Hossein Rezaeizadeh & Mehrdad Karimi

  3. Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Abdolrreza Naser Moghadasi & Mohammad Ali Sahraian

  4. Department of Computer Engineering, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

    Mojtaba Alizadeh

Authors
  1. Goli Arji
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hossein Rezaeizadeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Abdolrreza Naser Moghadasi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mohammad Ali Sahraian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mehrdad Karimi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mojtaba Alizadeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mojtaba Alizadeh.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any study with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed consent

No informed consent is required.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Appendix

Appendix

See Tables 1, 2, 3.

Table 1 Selected studies in the current systematic review with their quality score
Full size table
Table 2 Detailed characteristics of included papers in the current SLR
Full size table
Table 3 Distribution of academic papers by journal
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Arji, G., Rezaeizadeh, H., Moghadasi, A.N. et al. Complementary and alternative therapies in multiple sclerosis: a systematic literature classification and analysis. Acta Neurol Belg 122, 281–303 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-021-01847-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-021-01847-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation