Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a high- vs
low--intensity
multidisciplinary ambulatory rehabilitation programme over 12 months for persons
in the chronic phase after Guillain-Barre syndrome (pwGBS) in an Australian
community cohort. METHOD:
A total of 79 pwGBS, recruited from a tertiary
hospital, were randomized to a treatment group (n = 40) for an individualized
high-intensity programme, or a control group (n = 39) for a lower intensity
programme. The primary outcome the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor
subscale assessed "activity limitation"; while secondary measures for
"participation" included: World Health Organization Quality of Life; Depression,
Anxiety Stress Scale; and Perceived Impact Problem Profile (PIPP) scales. All
outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: Intention
to treat analysis of data from 69 participants (treatment n = 35, control n = 34)
showed reduced disability in the treatment group in post-treatment FIM domains
(mobility, transfers, sphincter control and locomotion ; all p < 0.005) and PIPP
scores (relationships; p = 0.011), with moderate-to-small effect sizes (r =
0.36-0.23). The treatment group compared with control group showed significant
improvement in function
(FIM scores): 68% vs 32%. CONCLUSION: Higher intensity
rehabilitation compared with less intense intervention reduces disability in
pwGBS in later stages of recovery. Further information on rehabilitation
modalities and impact on quality of life is needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS