June 2, 2013 /
Multiple sclerosis can be a devastating disease, which Mayo Clinic describes as a potentially debilitating disease in which your body’s immune system eats away at the protective sheath, or myelin, that covers your nerves. Damage to Myelin leads to interference in the communication between your brain, spinal cord and other areas of your body. This condition may result in deterioration of the nerves themselves, which is a process that’s not reversible. John Gever reported for MedPage Today on June 1, 2013, Online Program Boosts Mobility for MS Patients.
In a new study a simple behavioral intervention delivered over the Internet helped multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to increase their daily walking. Lara Pilutti, PhD, of the University of Illinois said it was indicated by pedometer recordings that patients receiving the 6-month intervention increased average daily step counts from about 4,000 at baseline to about 5,500 at its close. Pilutti also reported significant improvements were also seen in patients’ scores on measures of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and physical ability. In a separate trial in the same laboratory it was found that a somewhat different home-based exercise program reduced the presumed risk for falls by improving patients’ balance along with other factors.
The intervention in this study included a website which provided information on how MS
patients can become more physically active using social cognitive therapy techniques, as well as one-on-one live video coaching conducted over the Internet. Pilutti said that the program was relatively inexpensive in comparison with others designed to promote exercise in MS patients, largely because it required little staff time. She also noted that the coaching did not require involvement by highly trained professionals. In fact in some cases, it was provided by undergraduate students.
patients can become more physically active using social cognitive therapy techniques, as well as one-on-one live video coaching conducted over the Internet. Pilutti said that the program was relatively inexpensive in comparison with others designed to promote exercise in MS patients, largely because it required little staff time. She also noted that the coaching did not require involvement by highly trained professionals. In fact in some cases, it was provided by undergraduate students.
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