Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Fatigue, Cognition and Inflammatory Biomarkers in MS Patients

There is a rising concern about quality of life of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has emerged. Cognitive dysfunction with primary fatigue and there correlation to the level of disease inflammatory process has got great interest in MS research . The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of using a computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy on primary fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and inflammatory biomarkers for patients with MS. Patients and methods A total of 40 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale\36). Patients with depression and sleep problems were excluded from the study. Patients in both groups have elevated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Patients in (G1) underwent conventional physical therapy program for MS including aerobic training, resistive training and a flexibility program, patients in (G2) underwent an intensive computer-based cognitive program for attention, concentration, memory and reaction behavior using the RehaCom software. The conventional physical therapy interventions for both (G1) sustained for three months, 45 minutes to 1 hour, 3 times/week. The computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy for patients in (G2) was prescribed as following (45 minutes to 1 hour a session, 3 times/week for continues three months).