This study provides evidence for the positive effect of exercise on the physical impact of MS and fatigue. The group nature of the classes may have contributed to the positive effects seen on the psychological impact of MS.

No abstract

Background. Mobility limitations are a key feature of MS and 25% will require the use of a walking aid 15 years after diagnosis. Few studies have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of physiotherapy and exercise interventions delivered in the community for those with significant disability. Methods. An assessor blind, block randomised, and controlled study recruited participants who required bilateral assistance for gait and who occasionally used wheelchairs for longer distances. They were randomised to 10 weeks of group physiotherapy (balance and strengthening exercises), individual physiotherapy, yoga group, or a control group. Results. Repeated measures ANOVA found significant time effects for physical component of MSIS-29v2 (f = 7.993, P = 0.006) and MFIS (f = 8.695, P = 0.004). The group × time interaction was significant for the BBS (f = 4.391, P = 0.006). Post hoc analysis revealed no difference between group and individual physiotherapy for BBS. There was no significant difference between groups but the 6MWT improved for individual physiotherapy (P = 0.001) and MSIS-29v2 psychological score for group physiotherapy (P = 0.005). Discussion. This study found that balance and strengthening exercises, delivered in the community to those with significant mobility limitations, improve balance. The effect on walking endurance and patient-reported outcomes are unclear and warrants further investigation with a larger control group with similar baseline characteristics to the intervention groups.

The maintained benefit on the psychological impact of MS and fatigue may have important personal and socioeconomic consequences; however, it is important to find ways to maintain the physical benefits of exercise over the long term.

Background : People with Multiple Sclerosis have a life long need for physiotherapy and exercise interventions due to the progressive nature of the disease and their greater risk of the complications of inactivity. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland run physiotherapy, yoga and exercise classes for their members, however there is little evidence to suggest which form of physical activity optimises outcome for people with the many and varied impairments associated with MS.

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It is a progressive disease that can lead to severe disability, functional limitations and a poor quality of life (QoL). People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may live for many years with severe mobility problems and may require regular therapeutic intervention. The objective of this review is to assess current published literature evaluating all types of interventions for PwMS with an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score >6. Methods: A search of eight databases was conducted using relevant search terms. Articles were included if a therapeutic intervention was evaluated in PwMS with an EDSS score of >6 or if some or all of the participants used a walking aid. Results: Twelve studies fulfilled the criteria for this review. The interventions evaluated in these studies included a range of physiotherapy treatments, for example, balance rehabilitation, resistance exercise, aerobic exercise and others. Discussion: The evidence from this review suggests that all of the interventions described can potentially be beneficial for PwMS. As studies have not taken mobility levels into account the optimal type of intervention and its frequency and duration for this population is unknown and further research is needed to develop treatment recommendations for clinicians treating PwMS with moderate to severe mobility problems.