The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48207

Sherrilene classen, PhD OTR/L¹, Jennie Lou, MD, MSc², and Cathy Pierce, PhD, OTR/L¹. (1) Department of Occupational therapy, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Dr. HPD 1214, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, (2) Master of Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Dr. HPD 1214, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, 954-262-1619, sherrilene@aol.com

Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that significantly affects people's general health & well-being (GH&W), and quality of life (QOL). Traditionally, wellness programs are not implemented to populations with potentially disabling chronic disorders such as MS. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effectiveness of an innovative wellness program on the general health and well-being, and quality of life in MS populations.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the long-term impact of a wellness program to a traditional rehabilitation (as a golden standard), and to a social activity program (as a placebo). Outcome variables (GH&W, QOL) were measured by the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA), the Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to analyze the effect of each of three programs.

Results: The wellness group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the mental composite score (MCS) of the SF-36v2 over the traditional rehabilitation group (p=.093). The wellness group also demonstrated a statistically significant positive difference in the environmental impact scale of the OSA over the traditional rehabilitation group (p=.115) and the social activity group (p=.065).

Conclusions: This pilot study supports the effectiveness of a wellness approach in improving coping skills and qualitative of life for populations with chronic disorders such as MS over the long term. Future research is indicated to overcome the flaws of the design and insensitivity of the outcome measure tools.

Learning Objectives: After the completion of this poster presentation, the participants will be able to

• understand the impact of multiple sclerosis on those living with MS and on society
• become familiar with the tools used to measure program effectiveness in the randomized controlled trial
• recognize the impact of effective wellness approach for people with chronic disorders such as MS

Keywords: Clinical Trails, Wellness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This study is supported by grant #NSU012001 from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and the Nova Southeastern University president's Scholarship Award 2001
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.