The Effects of M2M and Adapted Yoga on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in People With Multiple Sclerosis.
Hui-Ju Young, Tapan S Mehta, Cassandra Herman and 2 others
PMID 30092206WHAT IT FOUND
Movement-to-music improved walking speed and endurance versus waitlist, but adapted yoga did not.
Neither intervention met the minimal clinically important difference, and lower-extremity strength, fatigue, and pain did not significantly change.
Key findings
01Movement-to-music significantly reduced Timed Up and Go time and increased 6-minute walk distance compared to waitlist, while adapted yoga showed no significant improvement in either measure.
02The observed physical improvements did not reach the minimal important difference values previously reported for people with multiple sclerosis.
03There was no statistically significant group difference for lower-extremity functional strength, pain interference, or fatigue.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The study was designed as a proof-of-concept to estimate effect sizes for future research, not as a definitive efficacy trial, so the sample size was not powered to detect small but clinically meaningful differences. Participants had a wide range of disability severity (PDDS 0-6), which may have diluted the training effect for those with higher functional levels. The waitlist control group's actual activity level was not monitored, so it is unclear if they maintained usual activities or changed their behavior. Adherence was low to moderate (53.7% and 67.7%), meaning many participants did not receive the full intended dose of the intervention. The types of multiple sclerosis (e.g., relapsing-remitting vs. progressive) were not identified, which could influence how patients respond to exercise.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the U.S. Government, Public Health Service.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these interventions produce clinically meaningful change. Although Movement-to-Music showed statistically significant improvements in walking and mobility compared to the waitlist control, the magnitude of change did not reach the minimal important difference established for people with multiple sclerosis, meaning patients may not perceive these benefits in daily life.