Yoga in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Intervention Protocol Yoga Program

The yoga intervention will be implemented in small groups of up to five participants, three times per week for a duration of eight weeks. Sessions will be led by a physiotherapist experienced in working with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and certified in yoga practice. Each session will last 60 minutes and will consist of four structured components:

Centering/Meditation (5-10 minutes):

Participants will perform breath-focused meditation in a comfortable seated position, using cushions if required. The duration will begin at 5 minutes during the first week and will gradually increase to 8-10 minutes by the third week. Participants will be instructed to count their breaths up to ten, restarting from one if their focus drifts.

Yin and Yang Yoga Poses (40 minutes):

This segment will combine Yin poses (passive, long-held postures targeting connective tissues) and Yang poses (active, dynamic postures).

Yin poses: Held for 2-3 minutes.

Yang poses: Will include Bridge, Plank, Low Lunge, Crescent Lunge, Cat-Cow, Downward-Facing Dog, and Chair Pose. These will be held for 10-30 seconds and repeated at least three times.

Rest periods of 30-60 seconds in Child's Pose will be incorporated between sequences. Postures will be adapted according to individual needs and physical capacities, applying the "soft edge" principle to avoid discomfort. Props such as blocks will be used as needed. Both verbal and tactile corrections will be provided.

Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) (1-2 minutes):

Alternating Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) will be practiced to balance the effects of Yin and Yang postures.

Deep Relaxation (Savasana) (10 minutes):

Sessions will conclude with Savasana, in which participants will lie supine for 10 minutes with arms relaxed at the sides and palms facing upward, maintaining complete stillness and relaxation.

During yoga sessions, the room temperature will be maintained at 23-26°C, and soft, relaxing music will be played.

Physiotherapy Program

Participants assigned to the physiotherapy group will receive individualized, exercise-based interventions designed to address aerobic capacity, muscle strength, spinal stabilization, balance, coordination, and flexibility. The intervention will be structured as follows:

Aerobic Exercise (10 minutes):

Horizontal cycling will be performed at a submaximal heart rate (60-80% of average). Room temperature will be kept at 20-22°C to prevent overheating.

Strengthening and Spinal Stabilization Exercises (20 minutes):

Exercises will target large muscle groups of the lower extremities (dorsiflexors, knee and hip extensors), the spine, and the shoulder girdle. Training will begin with 8-10 repetitions at 60-80% of one repetition maximum, progressing to two sets by week 2 and 15 repetitions by week 4. Resistance will be increased by 2-5% every three weeks. Rest intervals of 2-4 minutes will be allowed between exercises. Tactile feedback and instruction will be provided to ensure correct spinal stabilization techniques.

Balance and Coordination Exercises (20 minutes):

Training will progress from static to dynamic balance and will include dual-task activities. Difficulty will be gradually increased by performing tasks with eyes open and closed, shifting the center of gravity, and utilizing various balance-training materials. External support will be progressively reduced to encourage independence while maintaining motivation.

Stretching Exercises (10 minutes):

The final component of each session will involve active stretching of the hamstrings, hip flexors, adductors, quadriceps, and plantar flexors. Each stretch will be held for 20-60 seconds within the comfortable range of motion, ensuring that no pain is experienced. Straps will be provided as supportive aids when necessary.

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 18-65 years of age.
• Voluntarily giving informed consent to participate in the study.
• Having either Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) or Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) type.
• An Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 5.5 or below.
• No MS exacerbation within the last 4 weeks.
• Possessing the willingness, ability, and cognitive intactness to participate in the interventions.

Exclusion criteria

• Using medication specifically for fatigue.
• Presence of major sleep disorders, clinical depression, hypothyroidism, or B12 deficiency.
• Severe balance problems (e.g., Central Vestibular Disorders (CVO), peripheral neuropathy, Meniere's disease, vertigo).
• Having received corticosteroid treatment within the last 4 weeks.
• Pregnancy.
• Serious cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or orthopedic limitations.
• Presence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.