Quality of Life, Fatigue and Balance Improvements after Home-Based Exercise Program in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objectives: To determine the effects of home-based exercise program (HEP) on aspects of disability, quality of life (QoL), fatigue and balance in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Method: 40 MS patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic, socioeconomic and medical statuses were recorded. Disability [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)], functional balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], perceived level of balance confidence in everyday tasks [Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale)], fatigue [Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS)], and QoL [Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire] were assessed at baseline and 3 months later. All participants received standardized 12-weeks HEP from an experienced physiotherapist. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in EDSS scores before and after treatment (p=0.41). All patients showed significant improvement in BBS, ABC scale, and MusiQoL scores (p<0.001), and in the cognitive, physical and social components of FIS from baseline to three months (p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively). A statistically significant difference was not found in FIS-total scores (p=0.060). A positive significant correlation was found between MusiQoL and FIS-total scores (p<0.001), cognitive (p=0.004), physical and social (p<0.001) subscores; as well as negative correlation between QoL and ABC scale scores (p<0.001). Discussion: Home-based exercise program resulted in improvements in QoL, fatigue and balance functions in MS individuals. Therefore, neurological rehabilitation professionals, who are specialized on this area, have to consider the benefits of exercise and physical activity for MS patients and encourage them to take part in an exercise program. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2012;49: 33-8)