Quality of Life Improved Significantly Following Wellness Program for Multiple Sclerosis

Brian Hutchinson, PT, MSCS

Data presented at the 2021 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, October 25-28, found that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in weekly wellness programs had significant improvements in quality of life (QOL). 

At baseline, investigators, led by Brian Hutchinson, PT, MSCS, director, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center (MSAC), Dignity Health, Sacramento, included a total of 110 patients with MS who participated in weekly wellness sessions via the MSAC. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were used to determine improvements in self-reported disease impact and QOL over a 3-year period. A total of 86 patients were included in the 2-year data, collected in January 2019, and 62 patients were included in 3-year data, collected in January 2020.

When comparing the initial analysis to 3-year data, results showed that some effects emerged at the 1-year mark and were then sustained through a 3-year period, while others did not emerge until the 2-year follow-up mark, though these were also maintained at 3 years.

The programs conducted by the MSAC included group exercise, education, cognitive stimulation, as well as socializing and community outings. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale-10 item (MSSE), and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, were included as outcome measures, with the Neuro-QoL used for questions about Anxiety, Depression, Emotion & Behavior, Positive Affect, Cognition, Ability to Participate, and Social Roles. 

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Investigators found statistically significant improvement in several Neuro-QoL sections, including Ability to Participate at year 2 (P = .02) and at year 3 (P = .004), as well as Social Roles at year 2 (P = .001) and at year 3 (P = .004). Significant changes were also seen in the MSSE (P = .02) and the MSIS (P = .03), according to 3-year data analyses. It was noted that Depression and Emotional Behavioral Dyscontrol were statistically significant when compared to scores at the 1-year mark, but scores were not significant when comparing with baseline measures. At both the 1-year and 2-year analyses, investigators found correlations between PRO measures of Self-Efficacy, Ability to Participate, and Positive Affect.

The MSAC programs were held weekly, with evaluations accounting for a portion of members’ participation. Designed to speak to physical, cognitive, and social well-being of patients with MS, the programs included both individualized and group exercise, cognitive stimulation, education, as well as socialization and outings in the community.

REFERENCE

Hutchinson B, Schafer J, Sayre L, Malone, T. Effects of weekly participation in a wellness program on people living with multiple sclerosis: A 3-year analysis. Presented at CMSC 2021; October 25-28, 2021. Abstract REH02.