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Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Improved working ability in a contemporary MS population compared with a historic non-treated MS population in the
Anne Wickström1, Peter Sundström1, Lucas Wickström2
1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Sweden.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) often causes a reduced ability to work. Improved disease control as well as adjustment of working conditions may improve work ability in MS.
Objectives:
The objective of this article is to compare the degree of sickness absence in two MS populations that either have or have not received disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatments or active work-promoting measures.
Methods:
We investigated the occurrence of sickness absence in MS patients living in Västerbotten County, Sweden, in 2013, in which the majority of MS patients receive DMD treatment. The result was compared with a previous survey in the same area during a period when no DMD was available and no work-promoting measures for MS patients were practiced.
Results:
The proportion of MS patients active in the labor market or studying increased from 38% to 70% in the contemporary compared with the historic population (p < 0.001). The proportion of MS patients with a full-time disability pension decreased from 27% to 12% (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease of sickness absence in several individual EDSS grades.
Conclusions:
Our data indicate that treatment with DMDs combined with active work-promoting measures lead to improved work ability in MS.
Insights
Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) and work support significantly improved work ability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Labor market participation rose, while disability pensions decreased, showing better work outcomes for MS individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently impairs individuals' capacity to work.
- Optimizing disease management and adapting work environments can enhance work ability in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sickness absence rates between MS patients who received disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatments and/or active work-promoting measures versus those who did not.
- To evaluate the impact of modern treatment and support strategies on the working lives of individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of MS patients in Västerbotten County, Sweden, in 2013, a period with widespread DMD use.
- Comparison with a historical cohort from the same region before DMD availability and work-promoting measures.
- Analysis of sickness absence data, labor market participation, and disability pension rates.
Main Results:
- The proportion of MS patients in the labor market or studying increased significantly from 38% to 70% (p < 0.001).
- The rate of full-time disability pensions decreased from 27% to 12% (p < 0.001).
- Sickness absence showed a significant reduction across various Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) grades.
Conclusions:
- Treatment with DMDs, alongside active work-promoting initiatives, demonstrably improves work ability in individuals with MS.
- These combined interventions contribute to better vocational outcomes and reduced reliance on disability pensions for MS patients.
