OBJECTIVE: The remained impairment of nervous system was one of main factors that influence the rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis. We aimed to view and review the advancement in the rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis. DATA SOURCES: A computer-based search of Medline database for the articles related to the rehabilitation therapy of multiple sclerosis published between January 1990 and December 2004 was performed by using the key words 'multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation, physical therapy', and the language was limited to English; Meanwhile, another search of China Biomedicine database for the similar articles as above between January 1990 and December 2004 was performed by the same key words as above, and the language was limited to Chinese. STUDY SELECTION: The related articles to randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis were chosen, mainly including the application of new drugs for improving the nerve function, physical performance therapy, use of Botulinum toxin A, rehabilitation education, and so on. DATA EXTRACTION: The 64 selected articles were extracted, among which 39 were in accordant with the request of RCT, 25 were related to the distinct studies on non-rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis. In the 39 articles, 23 were involved, and 16 were excluded due to their few samples and repetition. DATA SYNTHESIS: The classification and rehabilitation intervention of nerve function impairment in multiple sclerosis were comprehended in the 23 articles. The nerve function impairment mainly included mental or behavioral disturbance, abnormity of motor function, sensory disturbance and function impairment of bladder and rectum; The rehabilitation intervention consisted of rehabilitation education, non-drug treatment and drug intervention. The rehabilitation management of multiple sclerosis was recommended from the aspects of application of new drugs, current status of physical performance therapy, practice of rehabilitation education of medicine. Also, the contents were discussed about the systemic education for the patients and the standardized training for medical staff in the rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of multiple sclerosis, we should follow the combinative rehabilitation pattern of medical education-physical performance therapy-drug therapy, which must be accomplished by linkage of hospital-community-clinic-hospitalization.

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