The aim of the study was to compare the effect of inpatient physiotherapy in a warm climate versus physiotherapy in a colder climate in multiple sclerosis (MS), in both short- and long term perspectives.
Empirically, several patients with MS have reported improved function in warm climate during therapy or vacation. This is in contrast to the heat intolerance frequently reported in MS. Heat intolerance seems, however, to be individually distributed among the MS patients, and may seem to be related to the degree of warmth. Sixty patients with gait problems and without heat intolerance were included in a cross-over study. They were randomized to a 4-week inpatient physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept in Norway or Spain, with cross-over the year after. Data from five physical performance measures and six self-reported measures were collected at screening, baseline, after treatment and three and six months after both treatment-periods. Change over time within groups and comparisons of change between groups were analyzed by mixed models.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Individual tailored physiotherapy according to the Bobath concept sixty minutes each working day for four weeks
Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, Norway
6-minute walk test
Time frame: 2 years
Timed Up&Go
Time frame: 2 years
10-metre timed walk
Time frame: 2
Berg Balance Scale
Time frame: 2
Trunk Impairment Scale
Time frame: 2
Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion
Time frame: 2
Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29)
Time frame: 2
Fatigue Severity Scale
Time frame: 2
Numerical Rating Scale; gait, balance, pain
Time frame: 2
Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire
Time frame: 2
Patient Global Impression of Change
Time frame: 2
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