This randomized controlled study was planned to compare the effects of delivering the same exercise content face-to-face and through telerehabilitation in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. All participants will receive circuit training for 8 weeks. The program will consist of two sessions per week, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment. Participants will be divided into two groups according to the mode of delivery: face-to-face and telerehabilitation. Telerehabilitation sessions will be conducted synchronously (via live connection) twice a week.
The study population will consist of adults aged 18-65 years with a diagnosis of MS who attend Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Hospital. Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be included in the study on a voluntary basis after being informed about the study. Participants will be allocated to the groups using stratified randomization based on EDSS scores.
The circuit training program will consist of endurance-, resistance-, and balance-focused exercise components. The effects of the interventions will be evaluated in terms of walking endurance and speed, functional mobility, dynamic balance, lower-extremity functional muscle strength, perceived walking ability, fatigue, quality of life, and the physical and psychological impact of MS. All assessments will be performed before the intervention and at the end of the 8-week program.
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Age between 18 and 65 years Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 2.0 and 5.5 Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score greater than 24 No relapse within the past 3 months Ability to walk at least 100 meters with or without an assistive device Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent
Botulinum toxin treatment for spasticity or a surgical procedure within the past 6 months Participation in a regular physiotherapy or rehabilitation program within the past 3 months Presence of a secondary neurological, orthopedic, or systemic disease that prevents independent standing and walking Presence of severe peripheral vestibular dysfunction Presence of a medical condition that may prevent participation in exercise Failure to provide written informed consent