scholarly journals Group‐based, individualized, comprehensive core stability and balance intervention provides immediate and long‐term improvements in walking in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Christin Arntzen ◽  
Bjørn Straume ◽  
Francis Odeh ◽  
Peter Feys ◽  
Britt Normann
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Balance Intervention

scholarly journals Effects of Pilates-Based Core Stability Training in Ambulant People With Multiple Sclerosis: Multicenter, Assessor-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. 1170-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther E. Fox ◽  
Alan D. Hough ◽  
Siobhan Creanor ◽  
Margaret Gear ◽  
Jennifer A. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Pilates exercise is often undertaken by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have balance and mobility difficulties. Objectives The primary aim of the study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of Pilates exercises with relaxation on balance and mobility. Secondary aims were: (1) to compare standardized exercises with relaxation and (2) to compare Pilates exercises with standardized exercises. Methods A multicenter, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 4.0 to 6.5 were randomly allocated to groups receiving 12 weeks of Pilates exercises, standardized exercises, or relaxation. Assessments were undertaken at baseline and weeks 12 and 16 (primary outcome measure: 10-Meter Timed Walk Test [10MTW]). Results One hundred participants (mean age=54 years, 74% female) were randomized to study groups. Six participants relapsed (withdrew from the study), leaving 94 participants for intention-to-treat analysis. There was no significant difference in mean 10MTW measurements between the Pilates and relaxation groups. At 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction of 4.2 seconds for the standardized exercise group compared with the relaxation group (95% confidence interval [relaxation group minus standardized exercise group measurements]=0.0, 8.4) and a mean reduction of 3.7 seconds for the Pilates group compared with the standardized exercise group (95% confidence interval [Pilates group minus standardized exercise group measurements]=−0.4 to 7.8). At 16 weeks, mean 10MTW times for the standardized exercise group remained quicker than those for the Pilates and relaxation groups, although the differences were nonsignificant. There were no significant differences between the Pilates and relaxation groups for any secondary outcome measure. Limitations In this study, therapists were limited to a standardized basket of exercises that may have affected the study outcomes. Furthermore, choosing measures such as posturography to assess balance, accelerometry to assess walking, or a specific trunk assessment scale might have been more responsive in detecting changes in outcome. Conclusion Participants did not improve significantly, either in the short term or at the 4-week follow-up, on the 10MTW after 12 weeks of Pilates exercises compared with 12 weeks of relaxation.

Online meditation training for people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesare Cavalera ◽  
Marco Rovaris ◽  
Laura Mendozzi ◽  
Luigi Pugnetti ◽  
Massimo Garegnani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a relevant impact on quality of life (QOL) and is associated with increased risks of psychological morbidity. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are among the most studied interventions, although few well-conducted studies have tested them in this field. Furthermore, the participation in typical MBIs may be impaired by time and logistics. Objective: We aimed to test the efficacy of an online MBI to improve QOL, psychological well-being, sleep, and fatigue. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, in which 139 participants were randomly assigned to an MS-specific online mindfulness meditation intervention or to a psychoeducational (active control) group. Participants were assessed for QOL, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue, at three different times: at recruitment, after 2 months, and after 6 months. Results: In comparison to the control group, the experimental subjects reported higher QOL and lower depression, anxiety, and sleep problems at the end of intervention. However, after 6 months these group differences were no longer significant. Conclusion: An online MBI could be an effective psychological treatment for the promotion of well-being in MS in short-term. However, the lack of lasting effects requires the development of new strategies to support long-term changes.

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