Benefits of inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Background: Rehabilitation is often recommended to MS-patients but data on its efficacy is limited.

Objective: To evaluate the benefit of inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Methods: A rater-blinded, randomized, waiting list controlled exploratory study. 19 participants completed the study with ten allocated to the intervention and nine to the waiting list group. Assessment of outcome-parameters was done at baseline and after 3 months. Time Walking Tests (TWTs) and 9 Hole Peg Test were used to objectively assess the level of activity, Functional-Assessment-in-MS and MS-Self Efficacy-Scale to assess participation and quality of life and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to assess bodily function. Additionally Rivermead Mobility Index, Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti-Test, MS-Functional Composite and a rater-blinded evaluation of a video-analysis on walking performance was done.

Results: Mean change scores of Timed 50 meter Walk (p = 0.014), walking speed (p = 0.034), 2- (p = 0.204) and 6-Minute Walk (p = 0.027) indicated an improvement favoring inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation. We could not demonstrate a benefit for upper limb function and some improvement was seen in other outcome-parameters without reaching statistical significance. EDSS remained unchanged.

Conclusion: Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation is effective in MS patients with positive impact on the level of activity as measured by TWTs covering both short and long distance ambulation.