Effects of Stretching Interventions in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
A systematic review analyzed seven studies involving 144 people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The review showed that stretching interventions might lead to favorable changes in mobility, spasticity, pain, and fatigue, with some improvements meeting established thresholds for clinical significance.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Demonstrated in people
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Moderate
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
This review highlights the potential benefits of stretching for individuals with MS, suggesting it may improve flexibility and other symptoms. However, the limited evidence and qualitative nature of the interventions mean more rigorous studies are necessary for clear conclusions.
What this does not prove
The evidence remains limited with moderate methodological quality and a lack of direct clinical recommendations due to the use of stretching as a comparator in many studies.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- 144 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not applicable
- Controlled
- Not applicable
- Primary endpoint met
- Not applicable
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-29
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceThe effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. ↗DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2752396
Supporting passages (12)
subjectsStudies evaluating ST in PwMS were included.
sample sizeSeven studies involving 144 participants (44.5 ± 9.6 years) were included.
findingsdescriptively favorable changes following ST were observed, with several outcomes meeting/exceeding previously published minimal important/detectable change thresholds for Timed Up and Go, flexibility, spasticity, pain, and fatigue.
limitationsHowever, current evidence remains limited, with ST frequently serving as an active comparator or control rather than the primary intervention, precluding definitive clinical recommendations and underscoring the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials.
human efficacyST appears well tolerated and may improve flexibility while also being potentially associated with clinically meaningful improvements in mobility, spasticity, pain, and fatigue in PwMS.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-29
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article; Review
study designTitle: The effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
study phaseTitle: The effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
randomizedTitle: The effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
controlledTitle: The effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
primary endpoint metTitle: The effects of stretching interventions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
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