| Methods |
RCT. Random assignment to the no activity (NEX), general physiotherapy exercises (EX) or the weighted leg raises (WLR) groups, using sealed envelopes |
| Participants |
N = 17: NEX= 5, EX= 6, WLR = 6
Inclusion criteria: Clinically confirmed relapsing/remitting MS, ambulant with or without the use of walking aids
Exclusion criteria: Relapse of MS in the preceding 6 months
Type MS: Relapsing‐remitting MS
Dis. dur. (yr)±SD(range): NEX: 10(2.5‐20), EX: 5(1‐15), WLR: 5(1.5‐8)
Mean age (yr) ± SD (range): NEX: 43 (36‐54), EX: 49 (41‐59), WLR: 38 (40‐48)
% female: NEX: 80, EX: 83.3, WLR: 83.3
Mean EDSS‐score ± SD: ? |
| Interventions |
EX: general mobility exercises, performed at home, with the aim of improving the patient's physical function (exercise duration and frequency similar for each person)WLR: weighted leg raises specifically to strengthen the quadriceps (5 sets of 10 leg extensions on both legs, twice a day), performed at homeEX & WLR: Mean adherence % (range)69% (45‐100%)
controls: Programme of supportive phone calls, but no physical intervention |
| Outcomes |
10 and 50m Timed Walk Test (time and pulse rate), quadriceps MVC (KgF), EMG turns (turns/sec) and Timed transfer
Assessments: Baseline and after 8 weeks |
| Notes |
Drop outs: 2: 1 subject was excluded due to back pain and 1 subject was excluded due to a relapse of MS
Definition MS not specified |
