Efficacy of physical therapy in multiple sclerosis as measured with the modified fatigue impact scale and ambulation index: a retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the efficacy of outcome measures routinely used in a physical therapy service for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of 500 medical records of MS patients from the outpatients service of AISM Rehabilitation Centre, Genova, Italy.


METHODS
All records of outpatients followed by AISM Rehabilitation Centre who underwent physical therapy from 2006 to 2008 were evaluated.


METHODS
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Ambulation Index (AI) were reviewed for all records at the begin and at the end of the rehabilitation treatment.


RESULTS
The number of assessments recorded was 295 in 209 patients. Out of the 209 patients, 133 were female and 76 were male. The mean age was 51.6 ± 11.68 years, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 4.98 ± 1.79, and 185 patients were ambulatory. In nonambulatory patients neither scale showed a significant increase. In ambulatory patients (275 assessments) significant changes were observed in AI, MFIS total score and subscores.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical therapy has a positive impact on fatigue, and the MFIS seems to be a good outcome measure in ambulatory patients. The AI and MFIS seem to be not indicated for use in non-ambulatory patients.
Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, FISM, Genoa, Italy. giampaolo.brichetto@aism.it
Giampaolo
G
Brichetto
Sara
S
Rinaldi
Patricio
P
Spallarossa
Mario Alberto
MA
Battaglia
Maria Laura Lopes
ML
de Carvalho
D005221:Fatigue / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014894:Weights and Measures