Efficacy of an internet-based program (MS Intakt) to promote physical activity after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled study

Bures AK, Kuld S, Weiland AC, Tallner A, Gusowski K, Pfeifer K, Flachenecker P (2017)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2017

Event location: Paris

Abstract

Background. Multimodal rehabilitation improves symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), but these effects diminish with time, despite the well-known positive impact of exercise on fatigue and mobility. We evaluated the efficacy of a 3-month, internet-based e-training
program (“MS Intakt”)1 on fatigue, quality of life and mobility in
PwMS after inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods.

Inclusion criteria: PwMS admitted to inpatient rehabilitation, no relapse / steroid therapy within the last 30 days, Fatigue (WEIMuS score ≥ 32), age ≥ 18 years, EDSS ≤ 6.0
E-Training group (EG): 3-month home training program,supervised via internet by sport therapists directly after rehabilitation
Control group (CG): usual care alone
Primary outcome: Fatigue after 3 months (WEIMuS questionnaire2)
Secondary outcomes: Quality of life (MSIS-29, EQ-5d), Mobility (2min walking test, 10m WT, Tinetti score), Neuropsychological parameters (alertness) Physical activity (standardized questionnaires), willingness to pay
Measurements: T0:within the first week after admission (Baseline), T1: end of rehabilitation (Discharge), T2: follow-up after 3 months (Month 3), T3: follow-up after 6 months (Month 6, via mail)

Results:

84 PwMS were included, of whom 64 completed the study
At baseline, median WEIMuS scores were higher (indicating a
higher degree of fatigue) in EG than in CG, but decreased similarly
at discharge in both groups. However, WEIMuS scores increased
again in CG at both follow-up measurements, whereas in the etraining
group, fatigue further improved at 3 and 6 months.
Similarly, MSIS-29 scores were improved in both groups at
discharge, but remained stable at month 3 only in the e-training
group. The improvements in gait parameters were also more
pronounced in EG, particularly for the 2-minute walking test

Conclusion:

The results of our study demonstrate that the effects of rehabilitation
on fatigue, quality of life and mobility can be maintained with an
internet-based home training program for up to 3 – 6 months.
Further studies are needed to investigate whether longer-lasting
programs may have more sustained effects on these disabling
symptoms in PwMS.

Authors with CRIS profile

Alexander Tallner Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Klaus Pfeifer Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

How to cite

APA:

Bures, A.-K., Kuld, S., Weiland, A.-C., Tallner, A., Gusowski, K., Pfeifer, K., & Flachenecker, P. (2017). Efficacy of an internet-based program (MS Intakt) to promote physical activity after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled study. In Proceedings of the European Comittee for treatment and research in multiple sclerosis (ECTRIMS). Paris, FR.

MLA:

Bures, Anna-Karolina, et al. "Efficacy of an internet-based program (MS Intakt) to promote physical activity after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled study." Proceedings of the European Comittee for treatment and research in multiple sclerosis (ECTRIMS), Paris 2017.

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