Home-based exercise program in TSP/HAM individuals: a feasibility and effectiveness study

• Main Authors: Lívia D Facchinetti, Abelardo Q Araújo, Marcus TT Silva, Ana Claudia C Leite, Mariana F Azevedo, Gisele L Chequer, Raquel VC Oliveira, Arthur S Ferreira, Marco Antonio Lima
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABNEURO)
• Series: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
• Subjects: paraparesia espástica tropical; fisioterapia; exercício; força muscular; qualidade de vida
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2017000400221&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based exercise program in TSP/HAM individuals. Methods Twenty-three TSP/HAM individuals divided in two groups according to Timed Up and Go (TUG) score (<20s vs ≥20s) performed a 20-week home-based exercise program. The primary outcomes were exercise adherence, maximum voluntary isometric contraction of lower limbs (MVIC), Barthel Index and SF-36. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and barriers to exercise practice. Results MVIC and the social functioning domain in SF-36 improved significantly in TUG <20s group. The individuals in the TUG ≥20s group improved significantly their physical functioning domain in SF-36. The total adherence to the 20-week home-based exercise program was 90%. There were mild to moderate adverse events related to exercise program. There were no adverse events related to MVIC test. Conclusions The home-based exercise program was feasible and effective in improving disability and quality of life in individuals with TSP/HAM.