Multidisciplinary care for Guillain-Barré syndrome

Treatment of partial injury of the calcaneus tendon with heterologous fibrin biopolymer and/or photobiomodulation in rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the new heterologous fibrin biopolymer associated, or not, with photobiomodulation therapy for application in tendon injuries, considered a serious and common orthopedic problem. Thus, 84 Rattus norvegicus had partial transection of the calcaneus tendon (PTCT) and were randomly divided into: control (CG); heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB); photobiomodulation (PBM); heterologous fibrin biopolymer + photobiomodulation (HFB + PBM). The animals received HFB immediately after PTCT, while PBM (660 nm, 40 mW, 0.23 J) started 24 h post injury and followed every 24 h for 7, 14, and 21 days. The results of the edema volume showed that after 24 h of PTCT, there was no statistical difference among the groups. After 7, 14, and 21 days, it was observed that the treatment groups were effective in reducing edema when compared to the control. The HFB had the highest edema volume reduction after 21 days of treatment. The treatment groups did not induce tissue necrosis or infections on the histopathological analysis. Tenocyte proliferation, granulation tissue, and collagen formation were observed in the PTCT area in the HFB and HFB + PBM groups, which culminated a better repair process when compared to the CG in the 3 experimental periods. Interestingly, the PBM group revealed, in histological analysis, major tendon injury after 7 days; however, in the periods of 14 and 21 days, the PBM had a better repair process compared to the CG. In the quantification of collagen, there was no statistical difference between the groups in the 3 experimental periods. The findings suggest that the HFB and PBM treatments, isolated or associated, were effective in reducing the volume of the edema, stimulating the repair process. However, the use of HFB alone was more effective in promoting the tendon repair process. Thus, the present study consolidates previous studies of tendon repair with this new HFB. Future clinical trials will be needed to validate this proposal.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following an Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection: A Case Report

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that typically develops after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. While Campylobacter jejuni is associated with approximately 30% of cases, organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, influenza virus, and hepatitis A, B, C, and E have demonstrated clinical associations to GBS. In rare instances, Escherichia coli infections have been documented as the underlying cause for GBS. Our patient, a 69-year-old female, was admitted with a two-week history of progressively worsening bilateral lower extremity weakness following diagnosis of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase E. coli urinary tract infection. She was diagnosed with GBS based on acute flaccid paralysis, areflexia, and a nerve conduction velocity study showing an absent motor response in her lower extremities bilaterally. The patient subsequently underwent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment for five days which resulted in significant improvement in her bilateral lower extremity weakness, a response consistent with the diagnosis of GBS.

Functional outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients: Intravenous immunoglobulins versus plasma exchange

BACKGROUND

Treatment with either Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange (PE) in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) showed equivalent efficacy as attested by a commonly used disability scale. However, it has been suggested that this scale may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle functional changes between the two treatments since it mainly focuses on walking capability and respiratory function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate functional outcomes following treatment with IVIg or PE using comprehensive scales that incorporate parameters of basic activities of daily living.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2007 and 2013 in an inpatient neurologic rehabilitation department. The study group included 70 individuals with GBS: 39 were treated with PE and 31 with IVIg. A comparison of functional outcomes was performed using Functional Independence Measure (FIM), rehabilitation efficiency (REy), rehabilitation effectiveness (REs), and the GBS disability scale (GDS).

RESULTS

Both treatments had a comparable effect on the various functional outcomes. Patients showed a significant increase in total FIM scores (30 points on average) during rehabilitation mainly as a result of an increase in motor sub-scores. A mean improvement of 1.23 (SD 0.9) in GDS was also observed. On average, individuals with GBS spent 20 days combined in the acute departments and 61 days in the rehabilitation department, with length of stay being similar for both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

IVIg and PE treatments have similar basic activities of daily living (ADL) functional outcomes. Nevertheless, due to the different mechanism of actions of these treatments and the multitude of GBS variants, it is possible that further comprehensive assessment tools may demonstrate differences in activity and participation of individuals with GBS.

Defining Coordinated Care for People with Rare Conditions: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

To coordinate care effectively for rare conditions, we need to understand what coordinated care means. This review aimed to define coordinated care and identify components of coordinated care within the context of rare diseases; by drawing on evidence from chronic conditions.

METHODS

A systematic scoping review. We included reviews that reported or defined and outlined components of coordinated care for chronic or rare conditions. Thematic analysis was used to develop a definition and identify components or care coordination. Stakeholder consultations (three focus groups with patients, carers and healthcare professionals with experience of rare conditions) were held to further explore the relevance of review findings for rare conditions.

RESULTS

We included 154 reviews (n = 139 specific to common chronic conditions, n = 3 specific to rare conditions, n = 12 both common/rare conditions). A definition of coordination was developed. Components were identified and categorised by those that: may need to be coordinated, inform how to coordinate care, have multiple roles, or that contextualise coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

Coordinated care is multi-faceted and has both generic and context-specific components. Findings outline many ways in which care may be coordinated for both rare and common chronic conditions. Findings can help to develop and eventually test different ways of coordinating care for people with rare and common chronic conditions.

Comprehensive rehabilitation treatment for pregnant women with Guillain-Barré syndrome - a case report

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute demyelinating poliradioculopathy and autoimmune condition, with a fast rapid natural course, and with high disability and usually episodic immune treatment. Clinical features include areflexia, limb weakness and uncommonly, sensory loss proceeding to neuromuscular paralysis involving bulbar, facial and respiratory function with maximum severity of symptoms atin 2-4 weeks. The eEtiology of GBS is not incompletely understood, however, prognosis is usually good with early detection and prompt treatment. In thise paper, we present a unique case of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment for a pregnant woman with GBS atin the 8th week of pregnancy. On the basis of this case report, we discuss possible and safe rehabilitation treatment for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, with significantly weakened muscle strength, after stabilizsation of vital signs and immunotherapy. The paper describes comprehensive care provided to the pregnant woman with teraplegia, hyperstesia and dysphagia after stabiliszation of vital signs, which was conducted until delivery atin the 39th week of pregnancy. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. null

Neurorehabilitation: applied neuroplasticity

The prevalence of disability due to neurological conditions is escalating worldwide. Neurological disorders have significant disability-burden with long-term functional and psychosocial issues, requiring specialized rehabilitation services for comprehensive management, especially treatments tapping into brain recovery 'neuroplastic' processes. Neurorehabilitation is interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial, requiring coordinated effort of diverse sectors, professions, patients and community to manage complex condition-related disability. This review provides evidence for a range of neurorehabilitation interventions for four common neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease using the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool for quality of evidence. Although, existing best-evidence for many interventions is still sparse, the overall findings suggest 'strong' evidence for physical therapy and psychological intervention for improved patient outcomes; and. 'moderate' evidence for multidisciplinary rehabilitation for longer term gains at the levels of activity (disability) and participation in MS and stroke population. The effect of other rehabilitation interventions is inconclusive, due to a paucity of methodologically robust studies. More research is needed to improve evidence-base for many promising rehabilitation interventions.

Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for acquired brain injury in adults of working age

BACKGROUND

Evidence from systematic reviews demonstrates that multi-disciplinary rehabilitation is effective in the stroke population, in which older adults predominate. However, the evidence base for the effectiveness of rehabilitation following acquired brain injury (ABI) in younger adults has not been established, perhaps because this scenario presents different methodological challenges in research.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation following ABI in adults 16 to 65 years of age.

SEARCH METHODS

We ran the most recent search on 14 September 2015. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily and Ovid OLDMEDLINE(R), Embase Classic+Embase (OvidSP), Web of Science (ISI WOS) databases, clinical trials registers, and we screened reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing multi-disciplinary rehabilitation versus routinely available local services or lower levels of intervention; or trials comparing an intervention in different settings, of different intensities or of different timing of onset. Controlled clinical trials were included, provided they met pre-defined methodological criteria.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently selected trials and rated their methodological quality. A fourth review author would have arbitrated if consensus could not be reached by discussion, but in fact, this did not occur. As in previous versions of this review, we used the method described by Van Tulder 1997 to rate the quality of trials and to perform a 'best evidence' synthesis by attributing levels of evidence on the basis of methodological quality. Risk of bias assessments were performed in parallel using standard Cochrane methodology. However, the Van Tulder system provided a more discriminative evaluation of rehabilitation trials, so we have continued to use it for our primary synthesis of evidence. We subdivided trials in terms of severity of brain injury, setting and type and timing of rehabilitation offered.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified a total of 19 studies involving 3480 people. Twelve studies were of good methodological quality and seven were of lower quality, according to the van Tulder scoring system. Within the subgroup of predominantly mild brain injury, 'strong evidence' suggested that most individuals made a good recovery when appropriate information was provided, without the need for additional specific interventions. For moderate to severe injury, 'strong evidence' showed benefit from formal intervention, and 'limited evidence' indicated that commencing rehabilitation early after injury results in better outcomes. For participants with moderate to severe ABI already in rehabilitation, 'strong evidence' revealed that more intensive programmes are associated with earlier functional gains, and 'moderate evidence' suggested that continued outpatient therapy could help to sustain gains made in early post-acute rehabilitation. The context of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation appears to influence outcomes. 'Strong evidence' supports the use of a milieu-oriented model for patients with severe brain injury, in which comprehensive cognitive rehabilitation takes place in a therapeutic environment and involves a peer group of patients. 'Limited evidence' shows that specialist in-patient rehabilitation and specialist multi-disciplinary community rehabilitation may provide additional functional gains, but studies serve to highlight the particular practical and ethical restraints imposed on randomisation of severely affected individuals for whom no realistic alternatives to specialist intervention are available.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Problems following ABI vary. Consequently, different interventions and combinations of interventions are required to meet the needs of patients with different problems. Patients who present acutely to hospital with mild brain injury benefit from follow-up and appropriate information and advice. Those with moderate to severe brain injury benefit from routine follow-up so their needs for rehabilitation can be assessed. Intensive intervention appears to lead to earlier gains, and earlier intervention whilst still in emergency and acute care has been supported by limited evidence. The balance between intensity and cost-effectiveness has yet to be determined. Patients discharged from in-patient rehabilitation benefit from access to out-patient or community-based services appropriate to their needs. Group-based rehabilitation in a therapeutic milieu (where patients undergo neuropsychological rehabilitation in a therapeutic environment with a peer group of individuals facing similar challenges) represents an effective approach for patients requiring neuropsychological rehabilitation following severe brain injury. Not all questions in rehabilitation can be addressed by randomised controlled trials or other experimental approaches. For example, trial-based literature does not tell us which treatments work best for which patients over the long term, and which models of service represent value for money in the context of life-long care. In the future, such questions will need to be considered alongside practice-based evidence gathered from large systematic longitudinal cohort studies conducted in the context of routine clinical practice.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation after primary brain tumour treatment

BACKGROUND

Brain tumours can cause significant disability, which may be amenable to multidisciplinary rehabilitation. However, the evidence base for this is unclear. This review is an update of a previously published review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [2013, Issue 1, Art. No. CD009509] on 'Multidisciplinary rehabilitation after primary brain tumour treatment'.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in people after primary brain tumour treatment, especially the types of approaches that are effective (settings, intensity).

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library up to Issue 12 of 12, 2014), MEDLINE (1950 to January week 2, 2015), EMBASE (1980 to January week 2, 2015), PEDro (1985 to January week 2 2015), and LILACS (1982 to January week 2, 2015). We checked the bibliographies of papers we identified and contacted the authors and known experts in the field to seek published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Controlled clinical trials (randomised and non-randomised clinical trials) that compared multidisciplinary rehabilitation in primary brain tumour with either routinely available local services or lower levels of intervention, or studies that compared multidisciplinary rehabilitation in different settings or at different levels of intensity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently assessed study quality, extracted data, and performed a 'best evidence ' synthesis based on methodological quality.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any studies for inclusion in the previous version of this review. For this update, the literature search identified one low-quality controlled clinical trial involving 106 participants. The findings from this study suggest 'low-level' evidence to support high-intensity ambulatory (outpatient) multidisciplinary rehabilitation in reducing short- and long-term motor disability (continence, mobility and locomotion, cognition), when compared with standard outpatient care. We found improvement in some domains of disability (continence, communication) and psychosocial gains were maintained at six months follow-up. We found no evidence for improvement in overall participation (quality of life and societal relationship). No adverse events were reported as a result of multidisciplinary rehabilitation. We found no evidence for improvement in quality of life or cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation. It was also not possible to suggest best 'dose' of therapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since the last version of this review, one new study has been identified for inclusion. The best evidence to date comes from this CCT, which provides low quality evidence that higher intensity ambulatory (outpatient) multidisciplinary rehabilitation reduces short- and long-term disability in people with brain tumour compared with standard outpatient care. Our conclusions are tentative at best, given gaps in current research in this area. Although the strength of evidence has increased with the identification of a new controlled clinical trial in this updated review, further research is needed into appropriate and robust study designs; outcome measurement; caregiver needs; evaluation of optimal settings; type, intensity, duration of therapy; and cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the brain tumour population.

A novel virtual motor rehabilitation system for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Two single case studies

INTRODUCTION

This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on "New Methodologies for Patients Rehabilitation".

OBJECTIVES

For Guillain-Barré patients, motor rehabilitation programs are helpful at the onset to prevent the complications of paralysis and in cases of persistent motor impairment. Traditional motor rehabilitation programs may be tedious and monotonous, resulting in low adherence to the treatments. A Virtual Motor Rehabilitation system has been tested in Guillain-Barré patients to increase patient adherence and to improve clinical results.

METHODS

Two people with Guillain-Barré performed 20 rehabilitation sessions. We tested a novel system based on Motor Virtual Rehabilitation in three periods of time (baseline evaluation, final evaluation, and follow-up. In the training program, the participants carried out a specific treatment using the Active Balance Rehabilitation system (ABAR). The system is composed of customizable virtual games to perform static and dynamic balance rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in clinical results were obtained by both participants, with significant results in the static balance clinical test of the Anterior Reach test in the standing position and unipedal stance time. Other significant results were found in dynamic balance clinical tests in the Berg Balance Scale test and the 30-second Sit-to-Stand test. With regard to acceptance of the system, both patients enjoyed the experience, and both patients thought that this system was helpful for their rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that Virtual Motor Rehabilitation for Guillain-Barré patients provides clinical improvements in an entertaining way.

Functional outcomes and efficiency of rehabilitation in a national cohort of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and other inflammatory polyneuropathies

Objectives

To describe functional outcomes, care needs and cost-efficiency of hospital rehabilitation for a UK cohort of inpatients with complex rehabilitation needs arising from inflammatory polyneuropathies.

Subjects and Setting

186 patients consecutively admitted to specialist neurorehabilitation centres in England with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (n = 118 (63.4%)) or other inflammatory polyneuropathies, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (n = 15 (8.1%) or critical illness neuropathy (n = 32 (17.2%)).

Methods

Cohort analysis of data from the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes Collaborative national clinical dataset. Outcome measures include the UK Functional Assessment Measure, Northwick Park Dependency Score (NPDS) and Care Needs Assessment (NPCNA). Patients were analysed in three groups of dependency based on their admission NPDS score: ‘low’ (NPDS<10), ‘medium’ (NPDS 10–24) and ‘high’ (NPDS ≥25). Cost-efficiency was measured as the time taken to offset the cost of rehabilitation by savings in NPCNA-estimated costs of on-going care in the community.

Results

The mean rehabilitation length of stay was 72.2 (sd = 66.6) days. Significant differences were seen between the diagnostic groups on admission, but all showed significant improvements between admission and discharge, in both motor and cognitive function (p<0.0001). Patients who were highly dependent on admission had the longest lengths of stay (mean 97.0 (SD 79.0) days), but also showed the greatest reduction in on-going care costs (£1049 per week (SD £994)), so that overall they were the most cost-efficient to treat.

Conclusions

Patients with polyneuropathies have both physical and cognitive disabilities that are amenable to change with rehabilitation, resulting in significant reduction in on-going care-costs, especially for highly dependent patients.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in neurology: 2012

In treating neuroimmunological diseases, neurologists have a number of different drugs to choose from ranging from corticosteroids to IVIg to more specific cell based therapies, the latter most frequently from the world of oncology. In some diseases, therapeutic plasma exchange, a procedure rather than a drug, is used. The most obvious advantage of therapeutic plasma exchange is the usually rapid onset of action presumably due to removal of pathogenic auto-antibodies. In some diseases, a single course of therapeutic plasma exchange is used while in others prolonged treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange is used. This article will review the use of therapeutic plasma exchange in neurology and will draw heavily upon recent consensus statements from the American Society for Apheresis and the American Academy of Neurology and by Cochrane reviews.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: prevalence and long-term factors impacting bladder function in an Australian community cohort

Background and Purpose

Urinary dysfunction is associated with significant morbidity in persons with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The aim of this study was to describe prevalence and long-term impact of bladder dysfunction on daily activities and quality of life (QoL) in persons in chronic phase of GBS and to examine the relationships between commonly used continence measures in this cohort.

Methods

Prospective cohort (n=66) following GBS treatment (1996-2009) was recruited from a tertiary hospital and assessed using standardised measures for bladder dysfunction: American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory.

Results

Sixty-six participants (64% male, mean age 56 years, median disease duration of 6.1 years) completed the study. Of these more than half reported nocturia and one-third reported urinary urgency and frequency. Urinary problems impacted on participants' daily activities: physical recreation (21%), emotional health and mood (17%), entertainment (14%), participation and mobility (>30 min) (12%), and performance of household chores (8%). Since GBS, 49% reported interference of urinary symptoms with daily life to some extent; and adverse impact on QoL (10.6%). Significant relationship between bladder symptoms; and the level of urogenital distress (p<0.001) and the impact of urinary problems (p<0.001), was noted. Higher scores on the bladder scales showed significant correlations with psychological, functional and participation scales. The single QoL item (AUA scale) correlated significantly with all other bladder scales (rho=0.63-0.86). This can be a potential 'screening tool' to identify patients for further assessment.

Conclusions

Bladder dysfunction in chronic phase of GBS is not well studied. More research in longer-term screening and outcomes for bladder intervention are needed for integrated care and to guide treating clinicians.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for follow-up of women treated for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation aims to improve outcomes for women but the evidence base for its effectiveness is yet to be established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of organised multidisciplinary rehabilitation during follow-up in women treated for breast cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro and LILACS in December 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and controlled clinical trials (RCTs, CCTs, respectively) that compared multidisciplinary rehabilitation with some form of control intervention (such as a lower level or different type of intervention, minimal intervention, waiting list controls or no treatment, interventions given in different settings).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The type of data retrieved did not allow for quantitative synthesis and therefore a narrative synthesis was provided. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by three authors using the risk of bias tool.

MAIN RESULTS

Two RCTs, including 262 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Both trials scored poorly for methodological quality. There was 'low level' evidence that multidisciplinary rehabilitation produced short-term gains at the levels of impairment (that is range of shoulder movement), psychosocial adjustment and quality of life after breast cancer treatment (up to 12 months). No evidence was available for the longer-term functional outcomes for caregivers or the cost effectiveness of these programmes. It was not possible to suggest the most appropriate frequency and duration of therapy or choice of one type of intervention over another.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There was 'low level' evidence that multidisciplinary rehabilitation can improve the outcomes of people with breast cancer in terms of functional ability, psychosocial adjustment and participation in social activities. There was no evidence available on functional gain at the level of activity. This review highlights the limitations of RCTs in rehabilitation settings and the need for high-quality trial-based research in this area. Regular evaluation and assessment of breast cancer survivors for rehabilitation is recommended.

Factors associated with long-term functional outcomes and psychological sequelae in Guillain-Barre syndrome

To examine factors impacting long-term health-related outcomes in survivors of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Seventy-six consecutive patients with definite GBS admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital (1996-2009) were reviewed in the neurorehabilitation clinics. They underwent a structured interview designed to assess the impact of GBS on their current activity and restriction in participation using validated questionnaires: Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Perceived Impact of Problem Profile (PIPP) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Their sociodemographic and disease severity data were obtained from the medical record. The 76 patients [60% male, mean age 56 years, median time since GBS 6 years (range 1-14 years)] showed good functional recovery (median motor FIM score 90). However, 16% reported moderate to extreme impact on their ability to participate in work, family, and social activities; and 22% substantial impact on mood, confidence and ability to live independently. More reported moderate to extreme depression (18%), anxiety (22%) and stress (17%) compared with the normative Australian population (13%). Factors associated with poorer current level of functioning and wellbeing included: females, older patients (57+ years), acute hospital stay (>11 days), those treated in intensive care and those discharged to rehabilitation. No associations were found between the Medical Research Council (MRC) Motor Scale Rating scores at admission, nor time since GBS diagnosis (≤6 vs. >6 years) on outcomes used.

CONCLUSION

GBS is complex and requires long-term management of psychological sequelae impacting activity and participation.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for adults with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MD) is an important component of symptomatic and supportive treatment for Multiple sclerosis (MS), but evidence base for its effectiveness is yet to be established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of organized MD rehabilitation in adults with MS. To explore rehabilitation approaches that are effective in different settings and the outcomes that are affected.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The sources used included: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials "CENTRAL", MEDLINE (1966- 2005), CINAHL (1982- 2005), PEDro (1990- 2005), EMBASE (1988- 2005), the Cochrane Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field trials Register and the National Health Service National Research Register (NRR).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized and controlled clinical trials that compared MD rehabilitation with routinely available local services or lower levels of intervention; or trials comparing interventions in different settings or at different levels of intensity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three reviewers selected trials and rated their methodological quality independently. A 'best evidence' synthesis based on methodological quality was performed. Trials were grouped in terms of setting and type of rehabilitation and duration of patient follow up.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight trials (7 RCTs; 1 CCT) (747 participants and 73 caregivers) were identified. Seven RCTs scored well and one CCT scored poorly on the methodological quality assessment. There was 'strong evidence' that despite no change in the level of impairment, inpatient MD rehabilitation can produce short-term gains at the levels of activity (disability) and participation for patients with MS. For outpatient and home-based rehabilitation programmes there was 'limited evidence' for short-term improvements in symptoms and disability with high intensity programmes, which translated into improvement in participation and quality of life. For low intensity programmes conducted over a longer period there was strong evidence for longer-term gains in quality of life; and also limited evidence for benefits to carers. Although some studies reported potential for cost-savings, there is no convincing evidence regarding the long-term cost-effectiveness of these programmes. It was not possible to suggest best 'dose' of therapy or supremacy of one therapy over another. This review highlights the limitations of RCTs in rehabilitation settings and need for better designed randomized and multiple centre trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

MD rehabilitation programmes do not change the level of impairment, but can improve the experience of people with MS in terms of activity and participation. Regular evaluation and assessment of these persons for rehabilitation is recommended. Further research into appropriate outcome measures, optimal intensity, frequency, cost and effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy over a longer time period is needed. Future research in rehabilitation should focus on improving methodological and scientific rigour of clinical trials.