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Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Khan F, Amatya B
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2017 Feb;98(2):353-367
systematic review

OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate existing evidence from published systematic reviews of clinical trials for the effectiveness of rehabilitation for improved function and participation. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using medical and health science electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) up to 31st January 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently applied inclusion criteria to select potential systematic reviews assessing the effectiveness of organised rehabilitation for person with MS. Data were summarized for type of interventions, type of study designs included, outcome domains, method of data synthesis and findings. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by two reviewers independently, for methodological quality using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Quality of evidence was critically appraised with Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirty-nine systematic reviews (1 with 2 reports) evaluated best evidence to date. There is 'strong' evidence for physical therapy for improved activity and participation, and exercise-based educational programs for reduction in patient-reported fatigue; 'moderate' evidence for multidisciplinary rehabilitation for longer-term gains at the levels of activity (disability) and participation, for cognitive-behavior therapy for treatment of depression, and for information-provision interventions for improved patient knowledge. There is 'limited' evidence for better patient outcomes using psychological and symptom-management programs (fatigue, spasticity). For other rehabilitation interventions, evidence was inconclusive due to limited methodologically robust studies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the range of rehabilitative treatments available for MS, there is lack of high-quality evidence for many modalities. Further research is needed for effective rehabilitation approaches with appropriate study design, outcome measurement, type and intensity of modalities and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.

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