The effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating multiple sclerosis
University Of Wales, Cardiff, College Of Medicine
This pilot study examined the relative benefits of therapy in people with chronic progressive MS who had a recent history of deterioration in gait or transfer ability. They were studied in two groups, balanced for age, sex and overall disability, one group receiving "early" physiotherapy and the other group "deferred" physiotherapy.
Although no objective improvement in mobility was detected following inpatient physiotherapy, patients clearly felt a reduction in distress associated with mobility problems. The study also yielded pilot data which may be of value in determining sample sizes in future studies.
This pilot study led to the funding of a full two and a half year controlled trial of hospital- and home-based physiotherapy in chronic MS.
Pilot study report was published in 1996
Fuller KJ, Dawson K, Wiles CM.
Physiotherapy in chronic multiple sclerosis: a controlled trial.
Clinical Rehabilitation 1996;10:195-204.
The results of a large scale clinical trial showing the effectiveness of physiotherapy was published in 2001 -
Wiles CM, Newcombe RG, Fuller KJ, Furnival-Doran J, Pickersgill TP, Morgan A.
Controlled randomised crossover trial of the effects of physiotherapy on mobility in chronic multiple sclerosis.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2001;70:174-179.
