Effect of an Internet-based At-home Physical Training Protocol on Quality of Life, Fatigue, Functional Performance, Aerobic Capacity and Muscle Strength in Multiple Sclerosis Patients (ms-intakt)

Aktiv komparator: e-training intervention

Resistance and endurance training

Atferdsmessig: e-training

The e-training intervention is a home-based aerobic and resistance training program. Resistance training was prescribed twice weekly for a period of 12 weeks. No special equipment was necessary except an elastic exercise band or a large gymnastic ball. In addition, endurance training was to be carried out once a week. Training intensity was regulated by the participant's subjective, perceived exertion, which was rated between 6 and 20 on the BORG Scale. The form of activity for the endurance training was freely selected, duration (between 10-60 min) was adjusted to individual fitness levels. Therapists aimed at eliciting a BORG Feedback of between 11 (fairly light) and 16 (hard). The exercise training was home-based and supervised via the internet. Participants continued exercise training for another 12 weeks after the 3month assessment.

Annen: Control

no exercise

Annen: Control

After the initial assessment on entry, those assigned to the control group were instructed to maintain their previous physical activity behaviour. After waiting three months, they received the same e-training intervention as the intervention group had received from the start.

Change in Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire for Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS)

38 items generate the subscales of fatigue/thinking, mobility of the lower/upper extremities, communication and mood. The HAQUAMS total score is calculated from a mean of the subscales, providing a total score between 1 and 5. Higher scores in HAQUAMS indicate lower levels in HRQoL. The primary outcome will be the change over time from baseline to month 3.

Würzburg Fatigue Scale (WEIMuS)

This questionnaire contains 17 items that form a physical and cognitive subscale. The total score ranges from zero to a maximum of 68 points (maximum fatigue). The cut-off value for the presence of fatigue is above 32.

Muscle strength lower extremities

Maximum isometric muscle strength was tested with the M3 Diagnos machine (Schnell, Peutenhausen, Germany).

Forced vital capacity

Forced vital capacity (FVC) was tested with the Master Screen CPX System (Viasys Healthcare, Cardinal Health, Germany).

Aerobic capacity

As a marker of endurance capacity, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was determined by the spiroergometry device Master Screen CPX on a bicycle ergometer (Sanabike 250F, MESA, Germany) at 70-80 revolutions per minute.

Physical activity

Habitual physical activity was assessed with the German version of the Baecke Questionnaire including three activity indices (work, sport, leisure time PA). There were limitations concerning content validity in all indices; therefore, the sport score of the sport index was used. That score is the product of the intensity, duration and frequency of a participant's reported sports activities. Higher scores indicate a higher level of PA.

Peak expiratory flow

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was tested with the Master Screen CPX System (Viasys Healthcare, Cardinal Health, Germany).