b'asymmetry in the body, providing betterHealth Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan, explored support and movement than conventionalacupunctureasatreatmentforfatiguein devices such as AFOs. Participants also reportedpeople with MS. Fatigue is a common and moderate comfort levels when using the device,debilitating symptom that affects daily life for indicating it might be a viable alternative formany MS patients. The researchers reviewed improving mobility in those with neurologicalsix studies, including randomized controlled impairments. The study was published in thetrials and observational studies, to evaluate the journal Rehabilitation Research and Practice.effect of acupuncture on MS-related fatigue. ThrowerThemeta-analysisshowedacupuncture - Foot drop is one of the more common causes for walking difficulty for those livingsignicantly reduced fatigue and improved with MS. Weakness in the ankle dorsiexorthe quality of life in MS patients. However, the muscles is usually accompanied by weaknessresults were limited by study design issues. in the hip exors. This results in a tendency toThe authors call for more high-quality research swing the leg out when walking resulting inwith larger patient groups to conrm these an abnormal gait pattern which is fatiguingndings and assess the safety of acupuncture and puts more stress on the knees, hips, andin MS treatment. The ndings were published lower back. The traditional management ofin the journal Complementary Therapies in foot drop is with an ankle foot orthotic. WhileClinical Practice. these are effective, they have limitations andThrower- Fatigue is one of the most common many living with MS simply dont like usingsymptoms affecting those living with MS. them.Many list fatigue as their most bothersome There are alternatives to AFOs, however.symptom, and it is a common cause of Theseincludedevicesthatstimulatethevocational disability. Despite these facts, there peronealnerveelectricallysuchastheis no FDA-approved therapy to lessen MS-related Bioness L300 Go System, the Cionics Neuralfatigue. We do use off-label medications such Sleeve and the WalkAide. Another option isas amantadine, modanil, armodanil, and the Saebo Step brace. This study looked atstimulantmedications(methylphenidate the NewGait device. You can check it out atand dextroamphetamine). As part of fatigue thenewgait.com/shop. This system used shouldermanagement, we also look for other contributing harnesses and braces on the legs to improvefactors such as comorbidities, sleep disorders, walking and appeared to work better than aand medication side effects. Given the challenges traditional AFO in this small study.of managing MS-related fatigue, any potential If youre dealing with foot drop and havetreatment option is of great interest. not worked with a physical therapist, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Ideally, wedThis article discusses a meta-analysis like for you to be able to try these devices outof the effect of acupuncture on MS-related to see which one is going to be best for you.fatigue. A meta-analysis involves combing Study suggests acupuncturemultiple prior studies together to improve the may be effective in reducing fatiguechances of ruling in or ruling out the effectiveness of any therapeutic intervention. Using this This study conducted by researchers at themethod, acupuncture was shown to improve Department of Neurology, Dow University offatigue, quality of life, and disability from MS.47 msfocusmagazine.org'