Efficacy of an internet-based program to promote physical activity and exercise after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, single-blind, controlled study

Flachenecker P, Bures AK, Gawlik A, Weiland AC, Kuld S, Gusowski K, Streber R, Pfeifer K, Tallner A (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health MDPI

Book Volume: 17

Pages Range: 1-13

Article Number: 4544

Journal Issue: 12

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124544

Abstract

Background: Multimodal rehabilitation improves fatigue and mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Effects are transient and may be conserved by internet-based physical activity promotion programs. Objective: Evaluate the effects of internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion on fatigue, quality of life, and gait in PwMS after inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 6.0, fatigue: Würzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis (WEIMuS) ≥ 32) were randomized into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). After rehabilitation, IG received 3 months of internet-based physical activity promotion, while CG received no intervention. Primary outcome: self-reported fatigue (WEIMuS). Secondary outcomes: quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29, MSIS-29), gait (2min/10m walking test, Tinetti score). Measurements: beginning (T0) and end (T1) of inpatient rehabilitation, 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months afterwards. Results: 64 of 84 PwMS were analyzed (IG: 34, CG: 30). After rehabilitation, fatigue decreased in both groups. At T2 and T3, fatigue increased again in CG but was improved in IG (p < 0.001). MSIS-29 improved in both groups at T1 but remained improved at T2 and T3 only in IG. Gait improvements were more pronounced in IG at T2. Conclusions: The study provides Class II evidence that the effects of rehabilitation on fatigue, quality of life, and gait can be maintained for 3–6 months with an internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion program.

Authors with CRIS profile

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

Involved external institutions

Fraunhofer-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik (IBMT) / Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering DE Germany (DE) Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln DE Germany (DE) Universität Bayreuth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Flachenecker, P., Bures, A.K., Gawlik, A., Weiland, A.C., Kuld, S., Gusowski, K.,... Tallner, A. (2020). Efficacy of an internet-based program to promote physical activity and exercise after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, single-blind, controlled study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124544

MLA:

Flachenecker, Peter, et al. "Efficacy of an internet-based program to promote physical activity and exercise after inpatient rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, single-blind, controlled study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17.12 (2020): 1-13.

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