Contributions
Abstract: P953
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Symptomatic treatment
Introduction: The value of exercise in the maintenance of strength, flexibility and coordination in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is well documented. We optimized our electronic medical record (EMR) by building structured clinical documentation support (SCDS) tools specific to MS that standardize initial and annual follow up visits, write progress notes, and capture data. Included in the data is patient reported exercise: the type of exercise, intensity and timing. With this data we can then correlate and track the impact that exercise has on disease characteristics.
Methods: MS patients referred to our Neurology program were evaluated annually using SCDS tools by one of our MS neurologists. We created descriptive reports of the cohort including gender; age at onset; disease duration; use of immunomodulating medications; Expanded Disability Status Scores (EDSS); and exercise participation parameters. Data on exercise was then correlated with the EDSS, report of gait abnormality and cognition screening.
Results: As of April 1, 2018, 225 patients responded whether they participated in exercise and approximately 55% reported yes. Of those who did participate in exercise (125) the mean duration of exercise was 45 minutes with a range from 5-190 min. 50% reported they participated in a moderately intense exercise program while 38% did light exercise only and 12% felt their work-out was vigorous. Most worked out in the morning (42%). 87% reported doing cardiovascular exercise with the majority walking for exercise. Only 36% reported doing flexibility and core work with yoga being the main form of exercise and only 48% reported doing strength training mainly lifting weights. EDSS was highly correlated with participating in exercise with those who did not participate in exercise averaging a full point higher on the EDSS scale (p>.001). Exercise also correlated with a better cognitive score assessed by the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) (p>.001). Those with a gait problem were more likely not to exercise than those without a gait problem (p=.03)
Conclusions: Our SCDS tools allow for collection of information including exercise as discrete variables. This allow for analysis of patterns and to correlate changes in these patterns over time. Further research and tracking of changes in EDSS, gait and cognition with the institution of an exercise program would help demonstrate the benefits to patients over time.
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose
Abstract: P953
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Symptomatic treatment
Introduction: The value of exercise in the maintenance of strength, flexibility and coordination in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is well documented. We optimized our electronic medical record (EMR) by building structured clinical documentation support (SCDS) tools specific to MS that standardize initial and annual follow up visits, write progress notes, and capture data. Included in the data is patient reported exercise: the type of exercise, intensity and timing. With this data we can then correlate and track the impact that exercise has on disease characteristics.
Methods: MS patients referred to our Neurology program were evaluated annually using SCDS tools by one of our MS neurologists. We created descriptive reports of the cohort including gender; age at onset; disease duration; use of immunomodulating medications; Expanded Disability Status Scores (EDSS); and exercise participation parameters. Data on exercise was then correlated with the EDSS, report of gait abnormality and cognition screening.
Results: As of April 1, 2018, 225 patients responded whether they participated in exercise and approximately 55% reported yes. Of those who did participate in exercise (125) the mean duration of exercise was 45 minutes with a range from 5-190 min. 50% reported they participated in a moderately intense exercise program while 38% did light exercise only and 12% felt their work-out was vigorous. Most worked out in the morning (42%). 87% reported doing cardiovascular exercise with the majority walking for exercise. Only 36% reported doing flexibility and core work with yoga being the main form of exercise and only 48% reported doing strength training mainly lifting weights. EDSS was highly correlated with participating in exercise with those who did not participate in exercise averaging a full point higher on the EDSS scale (p>.001). Exercise also correlated with a better cognitive score assessed by the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) (p>.001). Those with a gait problem were more likely not to exercise than those without a gait problem (p=.03)
Conclusions: Our SCDS tools allow for collection of information including exercise as discrete variables. This allow for analysis of patterns and to correlate changes in these patterns over time. Further research and tracking of changes in EDSS, gait and cognition with the institution of an exercise program would help demonstrate the benefits to patients over time.
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose