title: The effectiveness of a self-management occupational therapy intervention on activity performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: a randomized-controlled trial.
abstract: Purpose to evaluate the effectiveness of an individual self-management occupational therapy intervention program (SMOoTh) versus relaxation on the performance of and satisfaction with relevant daily activities in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue. in a single-blind randomized-controlled trial, 31 patients with MS (SMOoTh: n=17, relaxation: n=14) were randomly allocated to three individual sessions focusing on pacing, prioritizing, ergonomics, and self-management (SMOoTh) or on stress management and relaxation (relaxation). Outcomes (blind assessor): Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) (primary), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Checklist Individual Strength and Short-Form Health Measure. COPM improved in the SMOoTh and relaxation group after the intervention and 3 months later (COPM performance: F=13.1, P=0.001 and COPM satisfaction: F=10.4, P=0.001); nonsignificant group differences showed a trend in favor of SMOoTh. Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Checklist Individual Strength, and most of the Short-Form Health Measure subscales did not change. Clinically relevant changes in COPM performance scores were found in 71 and 27% of patients in the SMOoTh versus the relaxation group. Both interventions seem to be feasible approaches to improve performance of and satisfaction with relevant daily activities in people with MS, with a sustained effect after 3 months. Neither program altered change fatigue (impact) or quality of life. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven bDepartment of Health and Social Care, Division of Occupational Therapy, Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerp cDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp dDepartment of Neurology, Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine eDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp fDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Ghent, Ghent gCenter for Neurosciences hDepartment of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology & Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels iNational Multiple Sclerosis Center Melsbroek, Belgium jPain in Motion International Research Group (http://www.paininmotion.be).
authors.forename: Daphne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kos
authors.forename: Marijke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duportail
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meirte
authors.forename: Mira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meeus
authors.forename: Marie B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: D'hooghe
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nagels
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Willekens
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Meurrens
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ilsbroukx
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nijs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care; D016037:Single-Blind Method