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The influence of warm versus cold climate on the effect of physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Smedal T.,
Myhr KM.,
Aarseth J. H.,
Gjelsvik B.,
Beiske A. G.,
Glad S. B.,
Strand L. I.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01407.x
Subject(s) - multiple sclerosis , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , psychiatry
Smedal T, Myhr K‐M, Aarseth JH, Gjelsvik B, Beiske AG, Glad SB, Strand LI. The influence of warm versus cold climate on the effect of physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis.
Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 45–52.
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objective – To compare the effect of inpatient physiotherapy in a warm versus cold climate in short‐ and long‐term perspectives. Methods – Sixty multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with gait problems, without heat intolerance, were included in a randomized cross‐over study of 4‐week inpatient physiotherapy in warm (Spain) and cold (Norway) climate. The primary outcome, 6‐min walk test (6MWT), and secondary physical performance and self‐reported measures were scored at screening, baseline, after treatment and at 3 and 6 months of follow‐up. Treatment effects were analysed by mixed models. Results – After treatment, the mean walking distance had increased by 70 m in Spain and 49 m in Norway ( P = 0.060). Improvement in favour of warm climate was demonstrated at 6 months of follow‐up, 43 m (Spain) compared to 20 m (Norway) ( P = 0.048). The patients reported less exertion after walking (6MWT) in favour of treatment in Spain at all time points ( P < 0.05). No significant differences in change were detected for the other physical performance measures. Most self‐reported measures showed more improvement after treatment in Spain, but these improvements were not sustained at follow‐up. Conclusion – The results indicate that MS patients without heat intolerance have additional benefits from physiotherapy in a warm climate.