Therapeutic Standing for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Efficacy and feasibility

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a daily standing programme in the community for subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). A single blind randomized crossover design was used. There were two interventions; daily standing in a standing frame for 30 minutes and a daily exercise programme. Interventions were sequential and crossed after 3 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Ashworth scale, spasm frequency scale and range of movement. Subjects consisted of six individuals with a diagnosis of secondary progressive MS. All subjects achieved 30 minutes of therapeutic standing. Three subjects achieved 30 minutes standing after building up tolerance over the 3-week intervention period. Statistically significant improvements were demonstrated in hip and ankle range of movement with standing when compared to the exercise phase for both groups. No significant differences in spasticity or spasm were found although a downward trend was seen. In conclusion therapeutic standing increased range of movement in wheelchair dependent subjects. Further examination of the immediate and long-term effects of standing on spasm and spasticity is warranted.