Article

Our objective was to review the current body of evidence supporting the efficacy
of self-management programs in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other
chronic neurological conditions. We reviewed published literature using
standardized search terms; examined self-management interventions in a variety of
chronic neurological disorders, including MS; and classified studies using the
evidence classification established by the American Academy of Neurology. We
reviewed 527 abstracts, of which 39 met our inclusion criteria for evaluation. Of
the 39 studies, 3 provided class I evidence assessing the efficacy of
self-management interventions: a randomized controlled trial of a telephone
counseling program for health promotion in MS, a home-based exercise program for
reducing falls in people with Parkinson disease, and the comparison of a fitness
center program versus a home-based exercise program for people with traumatic
brain injury. The remaining studies provided additional support for
self-management interventions with a lesser degree of methodologic rigor (class
II, class III, or class IV evidence). We concluded that self-management
strategies are applicable to chronic neurological diseases, but a need exists for
more rigorous studies in this area. We provide recommendations for future
intervention study methodologies with a specific emphasis on MS care.

Langue : ANGLAIS