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Exercise therapy for those moderately affected by multiple sclerosis: results of a 12-week community-based excercise programme
Y. Learmonth, L.J. Miller, L. Paul, P.G. Mattison, A.K. McFadyen (Glasgow, Irvine, UK)
Background: Accumulating evidence suggests exercise can help manage some of the physical disabilities associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with literature suggesting combined exercise offers an effective training option with benefits including improved balance, fatigue levels, mobility and strength. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of group exercise combining aerobic, resistance and balance exercises in a community leisure setting.
Methods and results: Thirty-two people with MS were recruited from a clinical MS service and randomly allocated to an intervention (exercise) group (n=20) or a control group (n=12). People with a definite diagnosis of MS, adequate cognitive function with an Extended Disability Status Score (EDSS) of 5-6.5 were recruited. People who had other medical conditions preventing participation and who had experienced an exacerbation of MS symptoms in the previous three months were excluded. A randomised single blind controlled study compared the effects of twice weekly community based group exercise classes. A range of outcome measures were taken at baseline, week 8 and week 12. They included; the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the timed 25ft Walk (25ftW), the Six Minute Walk test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), quadriceps strength and the phoneFITT questionnaire.
Data was analysed using a restricted maximum likelihood mixed ANOVA model, comparing each group at all three timepoints. There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups for any outcome measure. At weeks 8 and 12 improvements were seen for all outcomes in the intervention group, with corresponding decline found in the control group for the 6MWT, BBS and FSS. ANOVA results confirmed that there was a significant group effect (p<0.001) and interaction effect (p=0.009) for the phoneFITT score with balance confidence (ABC) showing a significant group effect (p=0.001). Good effect sizes were found for the phoneFITT, BBS and quadriceps strength at the end of the twelve weeks. The class achieved an overall attendance rate of 69%
Conclusions: Community based exercise classes are a feasible option for those moderately affected with MS and attracts good attendance. Such classes offer benefits including improved physical activity levels, improved balance and leg strength. Results in the control group indicate that maintenance therapy is required to prevent decline.
Released at ECTRIMS 2011
Y. Learmonth, L.J. Miller, L. Paul, P.G. Mattison, A.K. McFadyen (Glasgow, Irvine, UK)
Background: Accumulating evidence suggests exercise can help manage some of the physical disabilities associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with literature suggesting combined exercise offers an effective training option with benefits including improved balance, fatigue levels, mobility and strength. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of group exercise combining aerobic, resistance and balance exercises in a community leisure setting.
Methods and results: Thirty-two people with MS were recruited from a clinical MS service and randomly allocated to an intervention (exercise) group (n=20) or a control group (n=12). People with a definite diagnosis of MS, adequate cognitive function with an Extended Disability Status Score (EDSS) of 5-6.5 were recruited. People who had other medical conditions preventing participation and who had experienced an exacerbation of MS symptoms in the previous three months were excluded. A randomised single blind controlled study compared the effects of twice weekly community based group exercise classes. A range of outcome measures were taken at baseline, week 8 and week 12. They included; the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the timed 25ft Walk (25ftW), the Six Minute Walk test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), quadriceps strength and the phoneFITT questionnaire.
Data was analysed using a restricted maximum likelihood mixed ANOVA model, comparing each group at all three timepoints. There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups for any outcome measure. At weeks 8 and 12 improvements were seen for all outcomes in the intervention group, with corresponding decline found in the control group for the 6MWT, BBS and FSS. ANOVA results confirmed that there was a significant group effect (p<0.001) and interaction effect (p=0.009) for the phoneFITT score with balance confidence (ABC) showing a significant group effect (p=0.001). Good effect sizes were found for the phoneFITT, BBS and quadriceps strength at the end of the twelve weeks. The class achieved an overall attendance rate of 69%
Conclusions: Community based exercise classes are a feasible option for those moderately affected with MS and attracts good attendance. Such classes offer benefits including improved physical activity levels, improved balance and leg strength. Results in the control group indicate that maintenance therapy is required to prevent decline.
Released at ECTRIMS 2011
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