Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for People With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Campbell, E.

Coulter, E.H.

Mattison, P.G.

Miller, L.

McFadyen, A.

Paul, L.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

2015

Systematic Review

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.

10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.022

PMID:26281954

English

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