[Coping strategies and health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients].

In the last years there has been a growing interest in self assessment of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Studies show a reduced HRQOL in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A sample of n=3 157 members of the German Multiple Sclerosis Association (71.

Quality of life and life circumstances in German myasthenia gravis patients.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease. Advances in medical therapy have continuously increased the life expectancy of MG patients, without definitively curing the disease. To analyze life circumstances and quality of life (QoL), a large German MG cohort was investigated.

Disability status and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: non-linearity of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Background: Progression in disability as measured by increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is commonly used as outcome variable in clinical trials concerning multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we addressed the question, whether there is a linear relationship between disability status and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in MS.

Methods: 7305 MS patients were sent a questionnaire containing a German version of the "Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL)-54" and an assessment of self-reported disability status analogous to the EDSS.

Treadmill training for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Treadmill training is used in rehabilitation and is described as improving gait parameters of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training in improving the gait function of patients with Parkinson's disease and the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy.

Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Movement Disorders Group Specialised Register (see Review Group details for more information) (last searched March 2009), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1950 to March 2009), and EMBASE (1980 to March 2009).

Consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and illegal substances among physicians and medical students in Brandenburg and Saxony (Germany).

Background: Patients regard health care professionals as role models for leading a healthy lifestyle. Health care professionals' own behaviour and attitudes concerning healthy lifestyle have an influence in counselling patients. The aim of this study was to assess consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and illegal substances among physicians and medical students in two German states: Brandenburg and Saxony.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of clinical pathways on length of stay, hospital costs and patient outcomes.

Background: To perform a systematic review about the effect of using clinical pathways on length of stay (LOS), hospital costs and patient outcomes. To provide a framework for local healthcare organisations considering the effectiveness of clinical pathways as a patient management strategy.

Methods: As participants, we considered hospitalized children and adults of every age and indication whose treatment involved the management strategy "clinical pathways".

Chronical illness and maternity: life conditions, quality of life and coping in women with multiple sclerosis.

Aim: Research on life circumstances, quality of life (QOL) and coping behavior in mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Method: Anonymous standardised questionnaire sent to 7,050 members of a section of the German MS Association (response rate 44.8%).