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Published on: January 29, 2016
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for People With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Evan Campbell1, Elaine H Coulter1, Paul G Mattison2
1School of Medicine, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.
Objective:
To assess the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions, including exercise therapy, for the rehabilitation of people with progressive multiple sclerosis.
Data Sources:
Five databases (Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro], Web of Science Core Collections, MEDLINE, Embase) and reference lists of relevant articles were searched.
Study Selection:
Randomized experimental trials, including participants with progressive multiple sclerosis and investigating a physiotherapy intervention or an intervention containing a physiotherapy element, were included.
Data Extraction:
Data were independently extracted using a standardized form, and methodologic quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
Data Synthesis:
Thirteen studies (described by 15 articles) were identified and scored between 5 and 9 out of 10 on the PEDro scale. Eight interventions were assessed: exercise therapy, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, functional electrical stimulation, botulinum toxin type A injections and manual stretches, inspiratory muscle training, therapeutic standing, acupuncture, and body weight-supported treadmill training. All studies, apart from 1, produced positive results in at least 1 outcome measure; however, only 1 article used a power calculation to determine the sample size and because of dropouts the results were subsequently underpowered.
Conclusions:
This review suggests that physiotherapy may be effective for the rehabilitation of people with progressive multiple sclerosis. However, further appropriately powered studies are required.
