The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study

Learmonth, Y.C., Paul, L., Miller, L., Mattison, P. and McFadyen, A.K. (2012) The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 26(7), pp. 579-593. (doi: 10.1177/0269215511423946)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269215511423946

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To establish the effects of a 12-week, community-based group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis. <b>Design:</b> Randomised controlled pilot trial. <b>Setting:</b> Two community leisure centres. <b>Participants:</b> Thirty-two participants with multiple sclerosis randomised into intervention or control groups. <b>Intervention:</b> The intervention group received 12 weeks of twice weekly, 60-minute group exercise sessions, including mobility, balance and resistance exercises. The control group received usual care. <b>Main outcome measures:</b> An assessor blinded to group allocation assessed participants at baseline, after eight weeks and after 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was 25-foot (7.6 m) walk time, secondary outcomes assessed walking endurance, balance, physical function, leg strength, body mass index, activity levels, fatigue, anxiety and depression, quality of life and goal attainment. <b>Results:</b> The intervention made no statistically significant difference to the results of participants’ 25-foot walk time. However the intervention led to many improvements. In the intervention group levels of physical activity improved statistically between baseline and week 8 (P < 0.001) and baseline and week 12 (P = 0.005). Balance confidence results showed a significant difference between baseline and week 12 (P = 0.013). Good effect sizes were found for dynamic balance (d = 0.80), leg strength (d = 1.33), activity levels (d = 1.05) and perceived balance (d = 0.94). <b>Conclusion:</b> The results of the study suggest that community-based group exercise classes are a feasible option for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis, and offer benefits such as improved physical activity levels, balance and leg strength.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Paul, Dr Lorna
Authors: Learmonth, Y.C., Paul, L., Miller, L., Mattison, P., and McFadyen, A.K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:Clinical Rehabilitation
Publisher:Sage Publications
ISSN:0269-2155
ISSN (Online):1477-0873
Published Online:07 October 2011
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2012 Sage Publications
First Published:First published in Clinical Rehabilitation 26(7):579-593
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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