Upper Limbs Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis

University of Granada (UGR)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Usual treatment; Other: Upper limbs intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02047825

DF0048UG

Details and patient eligibility

About

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and highly disabling disorder with considerable social impact and economic consequences. It is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. Different areas are affected, including manual dexterity, strength, coordination and function. The objective of this study is to evaluate the improvement in these variables in patients with multiple sclerosis after a 8-weeks intervention focused on upper limbs.

Full description

The total estimated prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis has been reported to be 83 per 100 000 for the past three decades. It is also higher in northern countries and between females with a male ratio around 2.0. The highest prevalence rates have been estimated for the age group 35-64 years. The estimated European mean annual Multiple Sclerosis incidence rate is 4.3 cases per 100 000.

Multiple sclerosis can cause a variety of symptoms: hypoesthesia, muscle weakness, abnormal muscle spasms, or difficulty moving; difficulties with coordination and balance; dysarthria, dysphagia, visual problems fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes, bladder and bowel difficulties,cognitive impairment, or emotional symptomatology. The investigators focus on the benefits of an intervention on dexterity, strength, coordination and functionality.

Enrollment: 37 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• Subjects who can complete the assessment battery of tests at the beginning and at the end of the study

Exclusion criteria

• Auditive and visual disturbances.
• Cognitive problems.
• Psychiatric pathology.
• Sensorial disturbances.
• Traumatic pathology of the hand.
• Concomitant neurological conditions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

---

37 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental group

Experimental group

Description:

The patients included in this group will receive an intensive intervention based on upper limbs intervention with exercises added to the usual treatment they receive.

Treatment:

Other: Upper limbs intervention

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Patients with multiple sclerosis not included in the intensive intervention. They receive the usual treatment of occupational and physical therapy.

Treatment:

Other: Usual treatment