1000 Section - Effects of an interdisciplinary program in a specialized unit for people with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter RCT

To compare interdisciplinary rehabilitation in a specialized unit (SU) to physical therapy in  the community (PTC) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) with moderate disability.

Design:

This RCT included a 4-week program and 5-month follow-up (intention-to-treat analysis). The evolution of locomotion, balance, strength, power output, fatigue and quality of life was compared between the program in a SU and PTC. A specific training of maximum strength and endurance was coupled with conventional physiotherapy in the SU.

Results:

The data of 148 SEP subjects were analyzed. The 6minutes walking test distance (primary endpoint) increased similarly in the SU than in the community group (respectively +52.2 m and +36.1 m). Knee extensor strength, power output and QOL- physical health improved significantly more in the SU. Many improvements were maintained at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Walking distance improved similarly in both groups but this was underpowered. The larger improvements in secondary outcomes and quality-adjusted life years in the SU, maintained at the 6-month follow-up, suggest pwMS should have access to this program probably each year.