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Published on: January 29, 2016
Efficacy of physical therapy in multiple sclerosis as measured with the modified fatigue impact scale and ambulation
Giampaolo Brichetto1, Sara Rinaldi, Patricio Spallarossa
1Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, FISM, Genoa, Italy. giampaolo.brichetto@aism.it
Objective:
Evaluate the efficacy of outcome measures routinely used in a physical therapy service for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Design:
We performed a retrospective review of 500 medical records of MS patients from the outpatients service of AISM Rehabilitation Centre, Genova, Italy.
Patients:
All records of outpatients followed by AISM Rehabilitation Centre who underwent physical therapy from 2006 to 2008 were evaluated.
Methods:
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Ambulation Index (AI) were reviewed for all records at the begin and at the end of the rehabilitation treatment.
Results:
The number of assessments recorded was 295 in 209 patients. Out of the 209 patients, 133 were female and 76 were male. The mean age was 51.6 ± 11.68 years, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 4.98 ± 1.79, and 185 patients were ambulatory. In nonambulatory patients neither scale showed a significant increase. In ambulatory patients (275 assessments) significant changes were observed in AI, MFIS total score and subscores.
Conclusion:
Physical therapy has a positive impact on fatigue, and the MFIS seems to be a good outcome measure in ambulatory patients. The AI and MFIS seem to be not indicated for use in non-ambulatory patients.
