RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of an occupation-based intervention (OBI) on dexterity and occupational performance for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to gather preliminary efficacy data. METHODS: In this feasibility study, 2 women with MS participated in 12 OBI sessions that focused on increasing upper extremity function. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, 9-Hole Peg Test, Expanded Disability Status Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used as outcome measures. The scores of these assessments are reported descriptively. RESULTS: According to preliminary data, both participants demonstrated improvements in dexterity, occupational performance, and occupational performance satisfaction. These data suggest that OBI may be implemented effectively in Iran. CONCLUSIONS: OBI improved the functional use of the participants' upper extremities as well as their occupational performance and satisfaction with their occupational performance in each of the 2 women with MS. This preliminary intervention program should be further tested using randomized controlled trials.
RESUMEN
Balance skills can be affected by slow information processing speed in people with multiple sclerosis. This study explored the effect of cognitive-based rehabilitation on balance skills of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Seventy-one participants with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to the usual occupational therapy exercises as a control group (n = 36, male = 10) or the cognitive rehabilitation group (n = 35, male = 10). Using several assessments pre-intervention, post-intervention and two months after completion, participants in the cognitive rehabilitation group showed significant improvement in their balance skills in post-test and as well as follow-up measurements compared to the control group. Results also showed a large effect of cognitive rehabilitation for balance (eta-squared= 0.59) and for information processing speed measured. Inclusion of tasks related to information processing speed to the usual occupational therapy exercises seemed to be able to improve the balance skills of people with multiple sclerosis.