Benefits of inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Rehabilitation is often recommended to MS-patients but data on its efficacy is limited.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefit of inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation.


METHODS
A rater-blinded, randomized, waiting list controlled exploratory study. 19 participants completed the study with ten allocated to the intervention and nine to the waiting list group. Assessment of outcome-parameters was done at baseline and after 3 months. Time Walking Tests (TWTs) and 9 Hole Peg Test were used to objectively assess the level of activity, Functional-Assessment-in-MS and MS-Self Efficacy-Scale to assess participation and quality of life and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to assess bodily function. Additionally Rivermead Mobility Index, Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti-Test, MS-Functional Composite and a rater-blinded evaluation of a video-analysis on walking performance was done.


RESULTS
Mean change scores of Timed 50 meter Walk (p = 0.014), walking speed (p = 0.034), 2- (p = 0.204) and 6-Minute Walk (p = 0.027) indicated an improvement favoring inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation. We could not demonstrate a benefit for upper limb function and some improvement was seen in other outcome-parameters without reaching statistical significance. EDSS remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation is effective in MS patients with positive impact on the level of activity as measured by TWTs covering both short and long distance ambulation.
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Sabine
S
Salhofer-Polanyi
Judith
J
Windt
Harald
H
Sumper
Hermine
H
Grill
Maria
M
Essmeister
Gudrun
G
Diermayr
Karin
K
Zebenholzer
Fritz
F
Leutmezer
Gudrun
G
Zulehner
Karl
K
Vass
Susanne
S
Asenbaum-Nan
D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
2-Minute walk; 6-Minute walk; Multiple sclerosis; inpatient; level of activity; rehabilitation