A poster presented at WCPT conference in Amsterdam. Results of an exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis. The published article related to this entitled; The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study, is available from CLINICAL REHABILITATION JOURNAL, 2011

1. Exercise therapy for those moderately affected with Multiple Sclerosis:
results of a 12 week community based group exercise programme
Learmonth, Y. C., Paul, L.; School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK,
Mattison, P., Miller L.; Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Unit, Ayrshire Central Hospital, United Kingdom,
McFadyen, A. K.; AKM-STATS, Glasgow, UK.
Introduction Results Discussion
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition which often Measurement Baseline Week 8 Week 12
Effect Size
Clinical Although further research is required, the results of the study
Group mean mean mean change
strikes individuals in early adulthood1. Evidence suggests suggest that community based group exercise classes are a
exercise may help manage some of the physical disabilities 25 Foot Walk test (sec) feasible option for people moderately affected with MS, and
associated with MS and that combined exercise offers an Intervention group 22.1 16.7 14.9
0.23
33%
achieve good participation rates. Such classes offer benefits
Control group 16.1 15.4 13.1 19%
effective training option2-4. There are few exercise options including improved physical activity levels, balance and leg
available for those with MS out with hospital or home based strength. Results imply that some outcomes improve more
6 Minute Walk test (m)
physiotherapy. Intervention group 191.1 228.6 262.2 37% with longer interventions (12 weeks) in comparison to shorter
0.68
Control group 221.2 260 215.8 -2%
interventions (8 weeks). Due to the success of the programme
Purpose the local council agreed to continue to fund the exercise class
Berg Balance test (BBS)
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of Intervention group 41.4 47.4 46.7 12%
for people with MS, when the study was complete.
0.8
a group, community leisure centre based, combined exercise Control group 44.7 47.9 40.9 -9%
(aerobic, resistance and balance exercises) intervention for Recommendations
people moderately affected with MS. Weakest quadriceps
strength (Nm) Rehabilitation professionals should be made aware of the
27.9 36.3 54.5 95%
Intervention group 1.33
28.3 33.6 34.3 21% positive effects that combined, resistance and balance exercises
Participants Control group
have on people with MS, with regards to activity levels, balance
Thirty-two people with MS PhoneFITT (PF) and muscle strength
questionnaire
(EDSS 5-6.5) were recruited Intervention group
53.3 69.7 78.2
1.05
47%
54.6 38.3 54.6 0.2% Healthcare staff should consider working with the leisure/sport
from the MS service in NHS Control group
sector to develop community exercise programmes for people
Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland. Activities Balance
Confidence (ABC) with MS.
Participants were randomly questionnaire 56.2 69.7 79.8 42%
0.94
allocated to either the Intervention group 51.8 58.7 60.9 8%
intervention (exercise) group Control group References
(n=20) or the control group Fatigue Severity Scale
1. Confavreux C, Vukusic S. Age at disability milestones in multiple
(n=12). Intervention group 5.5 5 5 9% sclerosis.Brain. 2006;129(3):595-605.
0.67
Control group 5.7 5.7 6.2 -8%
2. Dalgas U, Stenager E, Ingemann-Hansen T. Review: Multiple
Figure 1. Group warm-up led by the leisure staff.
sclerosis and physical exercise: recommendations for the
Table 1. Mean measurement scores at baseline, and after week 8 and 12. Effect size (Cohen’s
Methods d) for the intervention group & Clinical (%) change.
application of resistance-, endurance- and combined training.
Multiple Sclerosis. 2008;14(1):35-53.
A randomised controlled study compared the effects of twelve • Improvements were seen in most outcomes at weeks 8 and
3. Rietberg MB, Brooks D, Uitdehaag BM, Kwakkel G. Exercise
weeks of twice weekly community based exercise with usual 12 for those in the intervention group (Table 1) .
therapy for multiple sclerosis [Systematic Review]. Cochrane
care in people moderately affected with MS. The intervention • Physical activity (PF) showed a significant group effect Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(2).
group was divided into two exercise groups with 8 participants (p<0.001) and interaction effect (p=0.009). Balance 4. Motl RW, Gosney JL. Effect of exercise training on quality of
in one and 12 in the other. The intervention comprised of confidence (ABC) results showed a significant group effect life in multiplesclerosis: a meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis.
60 minute classes (Figure 1), including warm-up/cool down (p=0.001). No other measures showed significant group 2008;14(1):129-35.
and circuits designed around aerobic, resistance and balance effects.
exercises. Control subject received their usual care.
• Good effect sizes were found for physical activity levels
A number of clinically-used outcomes (Table 1) were measured Funding Sources:
(PF), dynamic balance (BBS), perceived balance (ABC) and
at baseline, after eight weeks and after twelve weeks (i.e. end of Bevan scholarship
the intervention). quadriceps strength at the end of the study.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Data were analysed using a univariate General Linear Model • While three people dropped out of the intervention group
(GLM) ANOVA, effect size and clinical change. overall attendance was 69%.