Even though this disease is not curable, its course can often be influenced positively by various measures. Contrary to popular opinion, multiple sclerosis does not necessarily result in severe disabilities. Most patients are still able to walk many years after the onset of the disease.

The kyBoot/kyBounder provides coordinative training for the musculature and improves mobility. This results in better stability and balance so you feel more confident while standing and walking. With kybun you can independently provide gentle training and therapy for your body day after day.

Definition

Multiple sclerosis (MS), also called encephalomyelitis disseminata (ED), is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the insulating covers of nerve cells are damaged. Despite extensive research the cause is not known. Next to epilepsy, it is one of the most common neurological illnesses among young adults and is of significant importance in social medicine.

With multiple sclerosis, multiple scattered lesions develop in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. These are presumably caused by the attack of the body’s own antibodies on the myelin sheaths of the nerve cell extensions. Since the lesions can occur anywhere in the CNS, multiple sclerosis can cause almost any neurological symptom. Vision disturbances with a reduction in visual acuity and eye movement disturbances (internuclear ophthalmoplegia) are typical but not specific to multiple sclerosis. The severity of the patient’s disabilities is often specified using a scale (EDSS).

Causes

In spite of extensive research, the cause has not been established.
Numerous theories exist with regard to the pathogenesis (emergence) of the disease. Existing findings indicate multifactorial pathogenesis with the involvement of genetic factors and environmental influences as triggers of immune-mediated damage.

With multiple sclerosis, multiple scattered lesions develop in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. These are presumably caused by the attack of the body’s own antibodies on the myelin sheaths of the nerve cell extensions.

Long-term consequences

Every affected individual has different symptoms of varying severity (vision disturbances, paraesthesia, signs of paralysis etc.).
When the overall course of the disease is examined, the symptoms that most often impair the quality of life for affected individuals are fatigue, bladder function disturbances and disturbances of the motor system, such as paralysis and spastic hypertonicity.

Conventional therapy

The objective of all therapeutic measures is to maintain the patient’s everyday independence and achieve the best possible quality of life. Existing therapy options can be classified as relapse therapy, long-term immunomodulating therapy and the treatment of symptomatic complaints. Preventing the complications of MS, which may occur for example due to immobility of the patient, constitutes another focal point. Achieving the therapy objectives requires close cooperation between the patient, nursing staff, persons close to the patient, neurologists, the general practitioner, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and the representatives of other disciplines. The choice of therapeutic measures always takes the patient’s individual case into account.

The kybun principle of operation – being proactive

Training in the kyBoot/on the kyBounder strengthens the core, stabilizing musculature so the superficial muscles (which tend to tense up) are able to relax. This is also a good balance training; it boosts your feeling of stability while walking and standing.
The feet can move freely in all directions in the kyBoot/on the kyBounder and you can feel the ground with the feet through the soft, elastic material, similar to walking barefoot on soft, natural soil. This improves foot mobility and sensitivity, which in turn leads to better balance.

Initial reactions

Specific initial reactions with MS:

You may initially feel too unstable in the kyBoot. Give yourself some time. Your body first has to get used to the new kybun walking, especially if you have been wearing stabilizing shoes until now. If this occurs, follow the tips under ‘Application tips’.

Click here for the general initial reactions experienced by kyBounder and kyBoot beginners: Initial reactions

kybun exercises

For information about the special kyBoot exercises or the basic kyBounder exercises , please click here: kybun exercises

Application tips

• Since MS has many different stages, it is never possible to make statements about individual effectiveness without trying kybun for yourself. It is important for the affected individual to feel comfortable and not overtaxed by kybun training. That means not overdoing the training (adjust the duration of use!). Most people are able to assess this adequately for themselves.
• Try various kyBoot shoes; some models with a higher cut provide more stability. We also recommend the second-generation sole. It is a bit wider in the midfoot area, therefore making you feel more stable while walking.
• If you still feel too unsafe walking in the kyBoot, we advise using the kyBounder. The kyBounder is available in three different thicknesses. This allows you to choose the thickness that is most comfortable for you (the thicker, the more unstable, the more intensive the training).
  You can also hold on to a fixed object if you need additional support when using the kyBounder.
• Keep performing the kybun exercises regularly. This loosens your muscle tissue while intensifying training at the same time.
• Be sure to maintain an upright posture and do not look at the floor.
• Avoid taking excessively long steps since this makes it easier to balance your body weight on the soft, elastic material.