The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Rehabilitation of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.63.72898Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, Rehabilitation, Artificial Intelligence, RoboticsAbstract
Background
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic auto-immune disease of the central nervous system. MS is one of the most frequent causes of neurological disability in young adults, affecting cognitive, motor, sensory, and emotional functions.
Aim
This review aims to point out the possible more effective new approach of MS treatment plan including rehabilitation and technology.
Material and Methods
A narrative literature review was conducted based on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental studies identified through searches of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
Results
The use of technology in the rehabilitation of patients with MS can minimize severe complications by improving functional performance, mobility, respiratory efficiency, and overall quality of life.
Conclusions
The future of MS rehabilitation will likely depend on the integration of personalized multidisciplinary care with emerging technologies aimed at maximizing functional independence, neuroplasticity, and long-term quality of life.
References
• Abou, L., Murphy, T., Truong, E., & Peters, J. (2025). Meeting physical activity guidelines for persons with multiple sclerosis reduces fatigue severity and impact: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Physical Therapy, 105(6), pzaf046. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaf046
• Adammek, F., Gralla, W., Kupjetz, M., Rademacher, A., Zimmer, P., Isenmann, E., & Joisten, N. (2025). Functional exercise training in persons with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Journal of Neurology, 272(9), 590. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-025-13311-w
• Almuklass, A. M., Davis, L., Hamilton, L. D., Hebert, J. R., Alvarez, E., & Enoka, R. M. (2018). Pulse width does not influence the gains achieved with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in people with multiple sclerosis: double-blind, randomized trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 32(1), 84–93. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968317753681
• Amatya, B., & Khan, F. (2025). Are virtual reality interventions effective in improving outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis? A cochrane review summary with commentary. NeuroRehabilitation, 57(2), 319–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538135251372057
• Andreu-Caravaca, L., Ramos-Campo, D. J., Chung, L. H., & Rubio-Arias, J. Á. (2021). Dosage and effectiveness of aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(9), 1826–1839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.01.078
• Chen, T., Jin, Y., Jiang, N., Lu, J., Wei, M., Huang, H., & Wen, Y. (2026). Improving respiratory muscle strength in patients with multiple sclerosis through respiratory muscle training: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ, 14, e20876. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20876
• Chen, Y., Meng, K., Jiang, G., Xiang, X., Liu, Y., & Yi, Q. (2026). Effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory function and fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 107, 106953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2025.106953
• Dalgas, U., Stenager, E., Jakobsen, J. K., Petersen, T., Overgaard, K., & Ingemann-Hansen, T. (2010). Muscle fiber size increases following resistance training in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 16(11), 1367–1376. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458510377222
• Derikx, T. C. A., Brands, I. M. H., Goedhart, A. T., Hoens, W. H., Heijenbrok-Kal, M. H., & Van Den Berg-Emons, R. H. J. G. (2022). High-volume and high-intensity functional training in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study on feasibility and functional capacity. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Clinical Communications, 5, 2047. https://doi.org/10.2340/jrmcc.v5.2047
• Döring, A., Pfueller, C. F., Paul, F., & Dörr, J. (2011). Exercise in multiple sclerosis – an integral component of disease management. The EPMA Journal, 3(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13167-011-0136-4
• Du, L., Xi, H., Zhang, S., Zhou, Y., Tao, X., Lv, Y., Hou, X., & Yu, L. (2024). Effects of exercise in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1387658. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1387658
• Edwards, T., & Pilutti, L. A. (2017). The effect of exercise training in adults with multiple sclerosis with severe mobility disability: A systematic review and future research directions. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 16, 31–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2017.06.003
• Flores, V. A., Šilić, P., DuBose, N. G., Zheng, P., Jeng, B., & Motl, R. W. (2023). Effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise training on health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 75, 104746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2023.104746
• Fling, B. W., Dutta, G. G., Schlueter, H., Cameron, M. H., & Horak, F. B. (2014). Associations between proprioceptive neural pathway structural connectivity and balance in people with multiple sclerosis. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 814. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00814
• Ghannadi, S., Noormohammadpour, P., Mazaheri, R., Sahraian, M. A., Mansournia, M. A., Pourgharib Shahi, M. H., Salmasi Fard, A. H., & Abolhasani, M. (2022). Effect of eight weeks respiratory muscle training on respiratory capacity, functional capacity and quality of life on subjects with mild to moderate relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 68, 104208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.104208
• Halabchi, F., Alizadeh, Z., Sahraian, M. A., & Abolhasani, M. (2017). Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendations. BMC Neurology, 17(1), 185. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-017-0960-9
• Ind, G., Hashmi, Z., Ahuja, S., Fayad, T., Kahook, Z., Ahmad, R., Batool, S. M., Jiji, K. M., Hudli, H., Hossain, S., Lafi, A., & AbuJlambo, A. (2026). Demyelinating disorders in women: epidemiology, immunology, and clinical implications across MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. Journal of Neurology, 273, 290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-026-13831-z
• Kahraman, T., Savci, S., Coskuner Poyraz, E., Ozakbas, S., & Idiman, E. (2016). Utilization of the expanded disability status scale as a distinctive instrument for walking impairment in persons with multiple sclerosis with mild disability. NeuroRehabilitation, 38(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-151290
• Katz Sand I. (2015). Classification, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Current Opinion in Neurology, 28(3), 193–205. https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000000206
• Khan, G., & Hashim, M. J. (2025). Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis: global, regional, national and sub-national-level estimates and future projections. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 15(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00353-6
• Kjølhede, T., Vissing, K., & Dalgas, U. (2012). Multiple sclerosis and progressive resistance training: a systematic review. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 18(9), 1215–1228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458512437418
• Kubsik-Gidlewska, A. M., Klimkiewicz, P., Klimkiewicz, R., Janczewska, K., & Woldańska-Okońska, M. (2017). Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine: official organ Wroclaw Medical University, 26(4), 709–715. https://doi.org/10.17219/acem/62329
• Learmonth, Y. C., Herring, M. P., Russell, D. I., Pilutti, L. A., Day, S., Marck, C. H., Chan, B., Metse, A. P., & Motl, R. W. (2023). Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 29(13), 1604–1631. https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585231204459
• Maggio, M. G., Latella, D., Bonanno, L., Di Lorenzo, G., Calabrò, R. S., De Luca, R., Quartarone, A., Mele, A., Russo, M., Bramanti, A., & Bramanti, P. (2026). Comparing the effect of semi-immersive virtual reality, computerized cognitive training, and traditional rehabilitation on cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 13, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.70390
• Mohammadamini, A. (2026). What functional training is and why it’s important. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 65(1). https://doi.org/10.26717/BJSTR.2026.65.010133
• Pearson, M., Dieberg, G., & Smart, N. (2015). Exercise as a therapy for improvement of walking ability in adults with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96(7), 1339–1348.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.02.011
• Pereira, H. V., Teixeira, D. S., Fisher, J., Fleck, S. J., Helms, E., Ide, B. N., Izquierdo, M., Nedergaard, A., Philips, S., Pinto, R. S., Plotkin, D. L., Turner, A. N., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2025). International consensus on the definition of functional training: modified e-Delphi method. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(8), 767–775. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2477393
• Polman, C. H., Reingold, S. C., Banwell, B., Clanet, M., Cohen, J. A., Filippi, M., Fujihara, K., Havrdova, E., Hutchinson, M., Kappos, L., Lublin, F. D., Montalban, X., O’Connor, P., Sandberg-Wollheim, M., Thompson, A. J., Waubant, E., Weinshenker, B., & Wolinsky, J. S. (2011). Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: 2010 revisions to the McDonald criteria. Annals of Neurology, 69, 292–302. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22366
• Scalia, M., Borzuola, R., Parrella, M., Giannoni, P., Leonardi, L., Di Russo, C., Ferlazzo, E., & Ranieri, A. (2024). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation does not influence spinal excitability in multiple sclerosis patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(3), 704. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13030704
• Schwartz, I., Sajin, A., Moreh, E., Neeb, M., Eitan, S., Kandel, L., & Katz-Leurer, M. (2012). Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized trial. Multiple Sclerosis, 18(6), 881–890. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458511431075
• Sebastián-Romagosa, M., Cho, W., Ortner, R., Sieghartsleitner, S., Guger, M., von Oertzen, T. J., Meuth, S. G., Laureys, S., Allison, B. Z., & Guger, C. (2026). Toward brain-computer interface motor rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1661972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1661972
• Skjerbæk, A. G., Møller, A. B., Jensen, E., Vissing, K., Sørensen, H., Nybo, L., Stenager, E., & Dalgas, U. (2013). Heat sensitive persons with multiple sclerosis are more tolerant to resistance exercise than to endurance exercise. Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England), 19(7), 932–940. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458512463765
• Šilarová, A., Hvid, L. G., Hradílek, P., & Dalgas, U. (2024). Exercise-induced heat sensitivity in patients with multiple sclerosis: definition, prevalence, etiology, and management - a scoping review. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 90, 105827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2024.105827
• Tafti, D., Ehsan, M., & Xixis, K. L. (2024). Multiple sclerosis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499849/
• Yang, F. A., Lin, C. L., Huang, W. C., Wang, H. Y., Peng, C. W., & Chen, H. C. (2023). Effect of robot-assisted gait training on multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 37(4), 228–239. https://doi.org/10.1177/15459683231167850
• Zanotto, T., Galperin, I., Pradeep Kumar, D., Mirelman, A., Yehezkyahu, S., Regev, K., Karni, A., Schmitz-Hübsch, T., Paul, F., Lynch, S. G., Akinwuntan, A. E., He, J., Troen, B. R., Devos, H., Hausdorff, J. M., & Sosnoff, J. J. (2025). Effects of a 6-week treadmill training with and without virtual reality on frailty in people with multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 106(2), 187–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2024.09.010
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Molenda, Gabriela Najdek, Kinga Banak, Kinga Półgrabia, Klaudia Zinkowska, Mateusz Olek, Aleksandra Bierska, Patryk Mroczka, Sara Rakotoarison
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 65
Number of citations: 0
