OCR Text |
Show THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH THE EFFECTS OF GROUP EXERCISE PARTICIPATION AND DISABILITY STATUS ON BALANCE, FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY, FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Jessica D.Woeppel (Hina Garg, Eduard Gappmaier) Department of Physical Therapy University of Utah Background: Medical and rehabilitation interventions are c o m m o n in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) but the effects of group-based exercise programs are underexplored. This study aims to determine the effects of group exercise participation and disability status on balance, functional mobility, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in PwMS. Methods: Retrospective data of 34 participants [12 M/22 F, Mean (SD) Age = 58.7 (10.7) yrs; EDSS = 5.6 (1.6); diagnosis duration = 16.4 (9.3) yrs] from the University of Utah M S Rehabilitation and Wellness Program was analyzed. Individuals were divided into groups based on exercise (EP) vs. non-exercise participation, and low disability (EDSS <6.0) vs. high disability (EDSS >6.0). The dependent variables were balance measured by Berg Balance Test (BBT); functional mobility by Timed-Up & Go test (TUG) and Six Minute Walk Distance (6MWD); fatigue by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-5); and Q O L by physical and mental M S Q O L scores. A 2X2 factorial ANOVA with repeated measures over time was used to test the effect of independent variables on the dependent variables. Results: No significant main effect (p>0.05) of time on BBT [F(1,27)=2.34, ES=.08]; 6MWD [F(1,21)=1.14, ES=.05]; MFIS-5 [F(l,30)=.42, ES=.01]; physical Q O L [F(1,28)=2.58, ES=2.08]; and mental QOL [F(1,27)=.86, ES=.03] were found, indicating that the respective scores remained consistent over a year. However, a significant increase in the T U G over time was noted [F(1,21 )=4.33, p=.05, ES=.17].TUG [F(1,21)=8.41, ES=.29]; and 6 M W D [F(1,21)=10.65, ES=.34] were significantly (p<0.05) worse in the EP group, demonstrating poor functional mobility. Significant main effect (p<0.05) of disability status was found in BBT [F(1,27)=18.71, ES=.41];TUG [F(1,21 )=14.39, ES=.41]; 6MWD [F(1,21)=15.71, ES=.43]; MFIS [F(1,30)=4.97, ES=.14]; and the physical Q O L [F(1,28)=2.61, ES=.08], demonstrating poor balance, functional mobility, fatigue, and physical Q O L scores in PwMS with high disability. No significant interaction effects were found, however, a close inspection suggests a trend towards improvement in BBT, TUG, 6 M W D , MFIS-5, physical and mental Q OL scores in P w M S participating in a regular exercise program. Conclusions: People with impaired functional mobility exhibited higher participation. Not surprisingly, people with high disability demonstrated poor balance, decreased function, fatigue and poor physical QOL. Trends suggest that a group exercise program may result in functional and quality of life gains in P w M S warranting further research. Means for Group Participation •HHM M(«.S S-1-Myi '1-Mt.nW Means for Disability Status L-il Jessica D. Woeppel Hina Garg Eduard Gappmaier Means for Disability Status (6MWTOI |