Article

Exercise is well tolerated and induces relevant improvements in
physical and mental functioning of persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Unfortunately, due to the wide variety of symptoms and the broad range of
exercise interventions, it is not possible to make unified exercise
recommendation as to what type of exercise is safe and effective for persons with
MS. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to test the impact of an intensive task-oriented
training on motor function and quality of life in 17 MS patients with an Expanded
Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 4 and 5.5. METHODS: Patients underwent a
two-week intensive, task-oriented rehabilitation program. Outcome measures were:
Berg Balance Scale, Gait Dynamic Index, 6 Minute Walking Test, Physiological Cost
Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, 10 metres Walking Test, Timed Up and Go test,
Short form 36, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire.
RESULTS: All outcome measures showed a significant improvement after the
treatment except for the 6 Minute Walking test and the Short form 36 that showed
a trend of improvement although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: An
intensive task-oriented rehabilitation protocol is effective in improving motor
function and has a positive impact on quality of life in MS patients with
moderate disability.

Langue : ANGLAIS