Efficacy of an Internet-Based Program to Promote Physical Activity and Exercise after Inpatient Rehabilitation in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Study

Peter Flachenecker, Anna Karoline Bures, Angeli Gawlik, Ann-Christin Weiland, Sarah Kuld, Klaus Gusowski, René Streber, Klaus Pfeifer and Alexander Tallner
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Peter Flachenecker: Neurological Rehabilitation Center Quellenhof, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
Anna Karoline Bures: Neurological Rehabilitation Center Quellenhof, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
Angeli Gawlik: Department of Health & Social Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
Ann-Christin Weiland: Neurological Rehabilitation Center Quellenhof, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
Sarah Kuld: Faculty of Economics, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
Klaus Gusowski: Neurological Rehabilitation Center Quellenhof, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
René Streber: Department of Sport Science and Sport, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
Klaus Pfeifer: Department of Sport Science and Sport, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
Alexander Tallner: Department of Sport Science and Sport, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Multimodal rehabilitation improves fatigue and mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Effects are transient and may be conserved by internet-based physical activity promotion programs. Objective: Evaluate the effects of internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion on fatigue, quality of life, and gait in PwMS after inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 6.0, fatigue: Würzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis (WEIMuS) ≥ 32) were randomized into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). After rehabilitation, IG received 3 months of internet-based physical activity promotion, while CG received no intervention. Primary outcome: self-reported fatigue (WEIMuS). Secondary outcomes: quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29, MSIS-29), gait (2min/10m walking test, Tinetti score). Measurements: beginning (T0) and end (T1) of inpatient rehabilitation, 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months afterwards. Results: 64 of 84 PwMS were analyzed (IG: 34, CG: 30). After rehabilitation, fatigue decreased in both groups. At T2 and T3, fatigue increased again in CG but was improved in IG ( p < 0.001). MSIS-29 improved in both groups at T1 but remained improved at T2 and T3 only in IG. Gait improvements were more pronounced in IG at T2. Conclusions: The study provides Class II evidence that the effects of rehabilitation on fatigue, quality of life, and gait can be maintained for 3–6 months with an internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion program.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; rehabilitation; fatigue; quality of life; walking; physical activity; exercise; online systems; internet-based intervention; health behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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