title: A task-oriented circuit training in multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and preliminary effects of a high-intensity rehabilitative task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) in a sample of multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects on walking competency, mobility, fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  
  
  METHODS
  24 MS subjects (EDSS 4.89 ± 0.54, 17 female and 7 male, 52.58 ± 11.21 years, MS duration 15.21 ± 8.68 years) have been enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: (i) experimental group received 10 TOCT sessions over 2 weeks (2 hours/each session) followed by a 3 months home exercise program, whereas control group did not receive any specific rehabilitation intervention. A feasibility patient-reported questionnaire was administered after TOCT. Functional outcome measures were: walking endurance (Six Minute Walk Test), gait speed (10 Meter Walk Test), mobility (Timed Up and Go test) and balance (Dynamic Gait Index). Furthermore, self-reported questionnaire of motor fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), walking ability (Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale - 12) and health-related quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale - 29) were included. Subjects' assessments were delivered at baseline (T0), after TOCT (T1) and 3 months of home-based exercise program (T2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  After TOCT subjects reported a positive global rating on the received treatment. At 3 months, we found a 58.33% of adherence to the home-exercise program. After TOCT, walking ability and health-related quality of life were improved (p < 0.05) with minor retention after 3 months. The control group showed no significant changes in any variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This two weeks high-intensity task-oriented circuit class training followed by a three months home-based exercise program seems feasible and safe in MS people with moderate mobility impairments; moreover it might improve walking abilities.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT01464749.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy. s.straudi@ospfe.it.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Straudi
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martinuzzi
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pavarelli
authors.forename: Amira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabbagh Charabati
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.forename: Calogero
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foti
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonato
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zancato
authors.forename: Nino
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Basaglia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires