Effects of Weaving Training Provided by Telerehabilitation Method on Manual Skills, Cognition and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Aim: As a major pandemic all over the world, coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused problems in accessing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a group of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in manual dexterity, cognitive functions, depression and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis who were exposed to social isolation during the pandemic process, as a result of weaving and art therapy offered through telerehabilitation method. Method: In the study, 14 volunteers with MS, with an average age of 51.00± 8.19 years, participated in weaving training for 2 days/1 hour in a total of 10 weeks. Participants were evaluated by making a home visit. The 9-hole PEG test was used to evaluate hand fine motor skills, the pinch meter was used to evaluate finger pinch strength, and the fatigue severity scale (FSS) was used to measure fatigue status. Depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Questionnaire, perception of quality of life with the Quality-of-Life Short Form (SF-36), and cognitive status with the Accelerated Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT-3). Results: After weaving training with the telerehabilitation method, a statistically significant difference was found in the SF-36 physical function, mental health, pain, general health and social functionality sub-parameters, and FSS, PASAT-3 and dominant and non-dominant pinch strengths (p<0.05). Conclusion: Weaving training with the telerehabilitation method improved the psychological and cognitive functions of individuals with MS and improved their manual skills in daily living activities. Art therapy practices with telerehabilitation can contribute to the rehabilitation of MS patients in addition to physiotherapy programs. It is recommended to conduct further research with larger samples to better determine the effectiveness. Key Words: Telerehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis, Weaving, Fatigue, Quality of Life