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Therapy Dogs May Help MS Patients with Mobility

By Deborah Mitchell Jun 2 2014 - 8:44am
therapy dogs for MS mobility
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Mobility challenges are a significant problem for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Therapy dogs may be one helpful solution for some individuals.

Motor symptoms frequently affect the lower extremities of people with MS as a result of lesions that develop in the descending motor sites of the spinal cord. Spasticity in the legs and trunk and/or loss of the Achilles reflex or other reflexes also can occur.

These motor challenges are typically associated with significant problems with balance, gait, and coordination. Difficulties with the upper extremities also may play a role in walking, maintaining balance, and using assistive devices such as canes or walkers.

Since every person who lives with multiple sclerosis has unique needs, use of a therapy dog who can assist with walking will not be appropriate for everyone. However, it is a treatment option that certain patients should discuss with their healthcare provider.

New study of therapy dogs for MS mobility
At the joint gathering of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Cecilie Fjeldstad, PhD, of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (Oklahoma City) presented her findings regarding the use of a therapy dog for individuals with MS who had moderate problems with walking. All 36 adults in the study were not currently using any type of walking device when they entered the study.

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The therapy dog wore a special harness that was fitted with a flexible handle, which prevented the patients from leaning on the dog. In addition, the dog was trained to walk by the side of the patients—not falling behind or pulling ahead.

Each of the volunteer patients participated in four timed walks that were 25 feet in length: two with the dog and two without. Here are the results:

  • Mean walking time without the dog: 9.3 seconds, which exceeds the 8 second limit used to define substantial impairment
  • Mean walking time with the dog: 8.7 seconds. This may not sound like a lot, but the difference was statistically significant

In addition, another factor to consider is familiarity. Since the patients were not familiar with the therapy dog prior to the study, it can be expected that they would gain confidence with additional sessions, which in turn could improve their gait and mobility.

Fjeldstad noted that her findings, which are preliminary, suggest more research is needed into the use of therapy dogs for people with MS and mobility issues. In the meantime, if you have MS or have a loved one with the disease, the topic of a trained canine companion may be one to pursue.

SOURCE
Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis

Image: Pixabay

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Comments

Michele Reichmuth wrote on August 26, 2014 - 10:11pm
I have considered it but one problem the classes to get a dog are from 8am to 8pm. Now if you can stay up that long more power to you as for me I would have to take a few naps to even keep up.
Christine aviles wrote on August 26, 2014 - 10:50pm
I had a dog an it was a great help walking. Please send me info on these dogs .thank you
Deborah Mitchell wrote on August 27, 2014 - 5:44am
Michele. I suggest you look into any other alternatives than this class. See my answer to Christine below about options. Good luck to you.
Deborah Mitchell wrote on August 27, 2014 - 5:47am
Christine: To get more information on dog assistance/therapy dogs, I suggest the following: contact your local and national MS chapters; also the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Paws with a Cause, and conduct an internet search using words such as "dog assistance organizations" and "therapy dog organizations." Good luck to you!
Mary Phillips-S... wrote on August 28, 2014 - 7:55am
I am trying to get a Great Dane as my mobility dog. I live in Northern California and have not had any luck finding any programs on this side of the country.
Deborah Mitchell wrote on August 29, 2014 - 4:45am
Mary: Here are a few suggestions to help you with your search. Paws For Healing is located in N. California,, as is Paws as Loving Support. Also check out the therapy dog organizations list on the American Kennel Club website--there are scores from around the country. You also can contact your local and national MS chapters; also the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Paws with a Cause, and conduct an internet search using words such as "dog assistance organizations" and "therapy dog organizations." Good luck!
Angie Nelson wrote on August 28, 2014 - 10:55pm
I have MS I'm moblle but clumsy sometimes what type of dog should I will be living alone
Deborah Mitchell wrote on August 29, 2014 - 4:48am
Angie: Your question is best answered by a professional who can assess your personal needs and abilities. You may want to discuss this with your healthcare provider and then contact some organizations (as I have suggested in my other responses to readers) and talk to them about the dog that would be best for you. Good luck to you!