Source MS Trust: This study set out to test the benefits of regular home-based standing combined with strengthening and balance exercises for people with progressive MS.
People with progressive MS with severe walking problems (122 people) were recruited through NHS clinics and therapy centres in Devon, Cornwall and East Anglia. One half were assigned to the standing frame group in addition to their standard care, the other half continued with standard care alone for 20 weeks.
A standing frame was delivered to the home of those in the standing group and set up by a physiotherapist who also provided instructions on how to combine exercises while standing. Participants were asked to stand for at least 30 minutes, three times each week for 20 weeks and keep a diary of how often and for how long they used the frame. Read on.
