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.