Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the effects of a home-based upper limb training program on arm function
in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, the effects of this program
on manual dexterity, handgrip strength, and finger prehension force were analyzed.
Design
Randomized, single-blind controlled trial.
Setting
Home based.
Participants
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MS acknowledging impaired manual ability (N=37)
were randomized into 2 groups.
Interventions
Patients in the experimental group were included in a supervised home-based upper
limb training program for 8 weeks twice a week. Patients in the control group received
information in the form of a leaflet with a schedule of upper limb exercise training.
Main Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure was arm function (motor functioning assessed using the
finger tapping test and a functional measure, the Action Research Arm Test). The secondary
outcome measures were manual dexterity assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test and
handgrip strength and finger prehension force evaluated with a handgrip and a pinch
dynamometer, respectively.
Results
After 8 weeks, a significant between-group improvement (P<.05) was found on the Action Research Arm Test bilaterally and the finger tapping
test in the most affected upper limb. The secondary outcomes also improved in the
most affected limb in the experimental group.
Conclusions
An 8-week home-based intervention program focused on upper limbs twice a week improved
arm function and physiologic variables with a primary focus on the more affected extremity
in patients with MS compared with the control group.
Keywords
List of abbreviations:
MS (multiple sclerosis)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 22, 2016
Footnotes
Clinical Trial Registration No.: NCT02047825.
Disclosures: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
