Mind-Body Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis : A Systematic Review

Abstract EN

Background.

Mind-body therapies are used to manage physical and psychological symptoms in many chronic health conditions.

Objective.

To assess the published evidence for using mind-body techniques for symptom management of multiple sclerosis.

Methods.

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Clinical Trials Register were searched from inception to March 24, 2012.

Eleven mind-body studies were reviewed (meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, relaxation, and imagery).

Results.

Four high quality trials (yoga, mindfulness, relaxation, and biofeedback) were found helpful for a variety of MS symptoms.

Conclusions.

The evidence for mind-body medicine in MS is limited, yet mind-body therapies are relatively safe and may provide a nonpharmacological benefit for MS symptoms.