Abstract: P359
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - 7 MS symptoms
Objective: To determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) participants in Fatigue: Take Control (FTC) experienced decreased fatigue and increased self-efficacy compared to those in MS: Take Control (MSTC), a general MS education program.
Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in MS. FTC is a structured group program based on the Fatigue and MS guideline. Our multicenter trial with did not find greater effects on fatigue or self-efficacy in FTC compared with MSTC at 6 months. We now report findings for the subset of subjects followed for 12 months.
Design and methods: 218 MS subjects with Modified Fatigue Impact Scale scores (MFIS) >24 were randomized to FTC or MSTC at 4 sites, each with 6 weekly 2-hour small group meetings with trained facilitators. FTC focused on fatigue management with education and behavior change including goal setting and emphasis on engagement. MSTC consisted of reading a different pamphlet on MS before each session and discussing it at the session. Outcomes were the MFIS and MS Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE) completed at baseline, program completion, 6 months later and 12 months later at one site.
Results: These results are from the 74 subjects who completed 12-month follow up at one site, of 77 subjects randomized at the site. MFIS and MSSE scores at baseline, program completion and 6-month follow-up did not differ. At 12 months, mean MFIS scores (-8.9 and -2.5, respectively, p< 0.032) but not MSSE scores (+32 and -13, respectively, p< 0.63) improved more in FTC than in MSTC, with the MFIS improvement in FTC achieving a 7- point clinically significant change.
Conclusions: In comparison to a general MS education program, a structured fatigue-specific group program improved fatigue in MS participants at 12 months but not at program completion or 6 months, suggesting behavior change takes time and the need to follow participants for at least 12 months.
Disclosure: The project is supported by project no. F7777-R from the Rehabilitation Research & Development Service of the VA Office of Research and Development and Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute at VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health & Science University by NCATS- funded CTSA grant (UL1TR000128).
Authors report no relevant conflict of interest.
Abstract: P359
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - 7 MS symptoms
Objective: To determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) participants in Fatigue: Take Control (FTC) experienced decreased fatigue and increased self-efficacy compared to those in MS: Take Control (MSTC), a general MS education program.
Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in MS. FTC is a structured group program based on the Fatigue and MS guideline. Our multicenter trial with did not find greater effects on fatigue or self-efficacy in FTC compared with MSTC at 6 months. We now report findings for the subset of subjects followed for 12 months.
Design and methods: 218 MS subjects with Modified Fatigue Impact Scale scores (MFIS) >24 were randomized to FTC or MSTC at 4 sites, each with 6 weekly 2-hour small group meetings with trained facilitators. FTC focused on fatigue management with education and behavior change including goal setting and emphasis on engagement. MSTC consisted of reading a different pamphlet on MS before each session and discussing it at the session. Outcomes were the MFIS and MS Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE) completed at baseline, program completion, 6 months later and 12 months later at one site.
Results: These results are from the 74 subjects who completed 12-month follow up at one site, of 77 subjects randomized at the site. MFIS and MSSE scores at baseline, program completion and 6-month follow-up did not differ. At 12 months, mean MFIS scores (-8.9 and -2.5, respectively, p< 0.032) but not MSSE scores (+32 and -13, respectively, p< 0.63) improved more in FTC than in MSTC, with the MFIS improvement in FTC achieving a 7- point clinically significant change.
Conclusions: In comparison to a general MS education program, a structured fatigue-specific group program improved fatigue in MS participants at 12 months but not at program completion or 6 months, suggesting behavior change takes time and the need to follow participants for at least 12 months.
Disclosure: The project is supported by project no. F7777-R from the Rehabilitation Research & Development Service of the VA Office of Research and Development and Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute at VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health & Science University by NCATS- funded CTSA grant (UL1TR000128).
Authors report no relevant conflict of interest.