AUTHOR=Hrušková Natália , Berchová Bímová Kateřina , Davies Smith Angela , Škodová Tereza , Bičíková Marie , Kolátorová Lucie , Štětkářová Ivana , Brožek Ľuba , Javůrková Alena , Angelová Gabriela , Řasová Kamila 

TITLE=People with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis benefit from a complex preventative intervention—a single group prospective study with follow up

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2024.1373401

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2024.1373401

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=BACKGROUND: Newly diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis frequently report fatigue, pain, depression and anxiety. Preventative programmes may be beneficial, but there is limited evidence of their effectiveness, especially long-term follow-up. METHODS: The programme consisted of 6-months face to face intervention (an introductory workshop, psychology-led group sessions and individual physical therapy) followed by 6-months self-guided therapy. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes measures were self-report questionnaires for fatigue, satisfaction with life and disease acceptance. Secondary outcomes were spirometry, spiroergometric parameters and neuroactive steroid levels. RESULTS: From 22 participants enrolled, 17 completed the first six months and 13 the follow-up. Fatigue measured on the Fatigue scale for motor and cognitive functions decreased significantly at six months (p=0.035) and at follow-up (p=0.007). The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (p= 0.035) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (p=0.007) significantly increased at follow-up. Spirometry, spiroergometric parameters, steroid hormones and neuroactive steroids levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This program reduces fatigue and improves satisfaction with life in this patient group with improvements sustained at 12 months. People who participated more frequently showed greater benefit. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The paper describes the effects of a complex preventative intervention for people with newly diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis. The study found that this programme reduces fatigue and improves satisfaction with life with long-term benefit (at 12-month follow up). The individuals who participated less frequently experienced fewer benefits.