| Methods |
A 2 parallel group unmasked RCT of unknown duration.
Quality:
Randomisation generation = D
Allocation concealment = B
Withdrawals = D |
| Participants |
People with MS diagnosis recruited through local chapter of MS Society.
Inclusion: (a) "ambulatory", (b) adult
Number screened and number randomised not stated. 33 people analysed. Mean age 45 yrs, 25F, 8M, disease duration not stated, all "ambulatory" |
| Interventions |
Intervention: (Unknown number randomised, 15 analysed): Imagery. Group intervention, 6 one hour sessions, period not stated. Person conducting intervention and site not clear. Session 1‐ general progressive relaxation training. Sessions 2‐6 biologically oriented imagery treatment: Imagining repair of damaged myelin and a positive immune system response. Audiotapes of imagery and relaxation protocols provided for daily practice. Use of MS associated imagery drawings.
Control (number randomised not known, 18 analysed): Continued standard medical treatment |
| Outcomes |
Measured pre‐treatment and immediately post‐treatment (1 week after end of treatment). Primary outcomes: Psychiatric symptoms measured using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (State and Trait subscales). Psychological functioning measured using the Profile of Mood States (tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion subscales). Secondary outcomes: None. Outcomes not included: MS Symptoms Checklist, and the Health Attribution test (beliefs about causes and cures of illness using the internal, powerful others, and chance subscales) |
| Notes |
Mini‐review 3. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
