Affiliations: [a] Allied Health Research unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| [b] Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| [c] Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Dr Jessie Janssen, BB204, Research Fellow (Physiotherapy), Allied Health Research unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Tel.: +44 1772894560; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Despite clinical intervention, people with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) experience difficulties in gait and balance on a daily basis. However, the effects on these variables of a tailored home based exercise programme for this population have not been investigated. PURPOSE:This case series aims to investigate the effects of a home based tailored exercise programme on gait and balance in people with CIDP. METHODS:Case series of seven people with CIDP from a neurology department of a local hospital. Participants took part in a 6 week Otago exercise programme, which include walking, strengthening and balance tasks. Participants were assessed 10 times; 3 times prior, 3 times during an exercise intervention, 3 times post intervention and once at three months follow up. The outcome measures were Berg Balance scale, 10 meter walk test, fatigue severity scale and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS:Participants showed an increase in walking speed and balance after the exercise intervention and most kept these improvements at 3 months follow up. CONCLUSION:This study shows that exercise can be beneficial for gait and balance in people with CIDP. These findings are in line with literature from related diseases such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome. However studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings in the population.
