Multiple Sclerosis
Conditions
Keywords
cross-over design, mixed model, multiple sclerosis, physical performance measures, physical therapy, the Bobath concept, warm climate, 6-minute walk test
Brief summary
The aim of the study was to compare the effect of inpatient physiotherapy in a warm climate versus physiotherapy in a colder climate in multiple sclerosis (MS), in both short- and long term perspectives.
Detailed description
Empirically, several patients with MS have reported improved function in warm climate during therapy or vacation. This is in contrast to the heat intolerance frequently reported in MS. Heat intolerance seems, however, to be individually distributed among the MS patients, and may seem to be related to the degree of warmth. Sixty patients with gait problems and without heat intolerance were included in a cross-over study. They were randomized to a 4-week inpatient physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept in Norway or Spain, with cross-over the year after. Data from five physical performance measures and six self-reported measures were collected at screening, baseline, after treatment and three and six months after both treatment-periods. Change over time within groups and comparisons of change between groups were analyzed by mixed models.
Interventions
OTHERPhysiotherapy
Individual tailored physiotherapy according to the Bobath concept sixty minutes each working day for four weeks
Sponsors
Oslo University Hospital
University Hospital, Akershus
University of Bergen
Haukeland University Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Between 18 and 60 years of age (both included). * Multiple sclerosis according to the McDonald criteria * Disability equivalent to Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) between 4.0 and 6.5 (both included) * Prepared to and considered able to follow the protocol and to attend the planned visits during the whole study period. * Given written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* An active MS (attack or progression) during one month prior to inclusion or start of treatment. * Received treatment with glucocorticoids the last month prior to inclusion or start of treatment. * Excessive fatigue or severe cognitive dysfunction related to MS that would preclude safe participation in the protocol. * Suffered from major depression or any other psychiatric disorder that would preclude safe participation in the protocol. * Heat intolerance. * Other serious concomitant disease that could preclude safe participation in the protocol. * Alcohol or drug abuse or consumption that could preclude participation according to the protocol and to attend the planned visits during the whole study period. * Breastfeeding or pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 6-minute walk test | 2 years |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 10-metre timed walk | 2 |
| Berg Balance Scale | 2 |
| Trunk Impairment Scale | 2 |
| Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion | 2 |
| Timed Up&Go | 2 years |
| Fatigue Severity Scale | 2 |
| Numerical Rating Scale; gait, balance, pain | 2 |
| Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire | 2 |
| Patient Global Impression of Change | 2 |
| Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) | 2 |
Countries
Norway
Outcome results
None listed