Efficacy of an Internet-Based Program to Promote Physical Activity and Exercise after Inpatient Rehabilitation in...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Multimodal rehabilitation offers temporary benefits for fatigue and mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
• Internet-based physical activity promotion may help sustain these benefits post-rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effects of an internet-based physical activity program on fatigue, quality of life, and gait in PwMS.
• To determine if online interventions can preserve gains achieved during inpatient rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving PwMS (EDSS ≤ 6.0, WEIMuS ≥ 32).
• Intervention group received 3 months of internet-based physical activity promotion post-rehabilitation; control group received no intervention.
• Outcomes including fatigue (WEIMuS), quality of life (MSIS-29), and gait were assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• PwMS in the intervention group showed sustained improvements in fatigue and quality of life at 3 and 6 months post-rehabilitation.
• Fatigue levels increased in the control group, while remaining improved in the intervention group (p < 0.001).
• Gait improvements were more significant in the intervention group at the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion programs can maintain the positive effects of rehabilitation on fatigue, quality of life, and gait in PwMS for 3-6 months.
• This digital health approach offers a viable strategy for long-term management of symptoms and functional status in multiple sclerosis.
• Class II evidence supports the efficacy of this intervention in preserving rehabilitation outcomes.