Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness and participant experience of web-based
physiotherapy for people moderately affected with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to
provide data to establish the sample size required for a fully powered,
definitive randomized controlled study. DESIGN: A randomized controlled pilot
study. SETTING: Rehabilitation centre and participants' homes. SUBJECTS: Thirty
community dwelling adults moderately affected by MS (Expanded Disability Status
Scale 5-6.5). INTERVENTIONS: Twelve weeks of individualised web-based
physiotherapy completed twice per week or usual care (control). Online exercise
diaries were monitored; participants were telephoned weekly by the
physiotherapist and exercise programmes altered remotely by the physiotherapist
as required. MAIN MEASURES: The following outcomes were completed at baseline and
after 12 weeks; 25 Foot Walk, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, Multiple
Sclerosis Impact Scale, Leeds MS Quality of Life Scale, MS-Related Symptom
Checklist and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The intervention group also
completed a website evaluation questionnaire and interviews. RESULTS:
Participants reported that website was easy to use, convenient, and motivating
and would be happy to use in the future. There was no statistically significant
difference in the primary outcome measure, the timed 25ft walk in the
intervention group (P=0.170), or other secondary outcome measures, except the
Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (P=0.048). Effect sizes were generally small to
moderate. CONCLUSION: People with MS were very positive about web-based
physiotherapy. The results suggested that 80 participants, 40 in each group,
would be sufficient for a fully powered, definitive randomized controlled trial.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS