An evaluation of the role of community care in meeting the needs of people with multiple sclerosis in Ireland.

Background: People with MS (PwMS) can experience a number of diverse needs which may be met by community-based services such as those delivered by MS Ireland (MSI), where Community Workers (CWs) provide support to PwMS on an individualised basis. However, while such support may be critical in helping PwMS adapt and cope with the challenges of living with MS, there has been little evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of this service to date. This study aimed to explore the perceived effectiveness and impacts of community work from the perspectives of both PwMS and CWs.

Societal costs of multiple sclerosis in Ireland.

Aims: This paper evaluates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Ireland, and estimates the associated direct, indirect, and intangible costs to society based on a large nationally representative sample.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was developed to capture the demographics, disease characteristics, healthcare use, informal care, employment, and wellbeing. Referencing international studies, standardized survey instruments were included (e.

Randomised controlled pilot trial of an exercise plus behaviour change intervention in people with multiple sclerosis: the Step it Up study.

Objective: To investigate feasibility of multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise guidelines for inactive people with MS (PwMS) and to examine preliminary efficacy for walking. To investigate effect of augmenting that intervention with education based on social cognitive theory (SCT).

Design: Pilot multicentre, double-blind, randomised, parallel, controlled trial.

Effect of exercising at minimum recommendations of the multiple sclerosis exercise guideline combined with structured education or attention control education - secondary results of the step it up randomised controlled trial.

Background: Recent exercise guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) recommend a minimum of 30 min moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercise twice per week. This trial compared the secondary outcomes of a combined 10-week guideline based intervention and a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) education programme with the same exercise intervention involving an attention control education.

Methods: Physically inactive people with MS, scoring 0-3 on Patient Determined Disease Steps Scale, with no MS relapse or change in MS medication, were randomised to 10-week exercise plus SCT education or exercise plus attention control education conditions.

A randomised controlled trial of an exercise plus behaviour change intervention in people with multiple sclerosis: the step it up study protocol.

Background: Exercise has consistently yielded short-term, positive effects on health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, these effects have not been maintained in the long-term. Behaviour change interventions aim to promote long-term positive lifestyle change.

The Effect of Community Exercise Interventions for People with MS Who Use Bilateral Support for Gait.

Background. Mobility limitations are a key feature of MS and 25% will require the use of a walking aid 15 years after diagnosis. Few studies have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of physiotherapy and exercise interventions delivered in the community for those with significant disability.

Exercise in the community for people with multiple sclerosis--a follow-up of people with minimal gait impairment.

Background: Although there are many studies evaluating exercise interventions, few studies have evaluated the effect at follow-up.

Objectives: This paper presents follow-up data for participants who completed the exercise interventions in a large randomised controlled trial.

Methods: One hundred twenty-one people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with minimal gait impairment who completed 10 weeks of community-based exercise interventions were evaluated by a blinded assessor 12 weeks after the intervention.

Getting the balance right: a randomised controlled trial of physiotherapy and Exercise Interventions for ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis have a life long need for physiotherapy and exercise interventions due to the progressive nature of the disease and their greater risk of the complications of inactivity. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland run physiotherapy, yoga and exercise classes for their members, however there is little evidence to suggest which form of physical activity optimises outcome for people with the many and varied impairments associated with MS.

Methods And Design: This is a multi-centre, single blind, block randomised, controlled trial.