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A Multi-Center Controlled Study of the Acute and Chronic Effects of Cooling Therapy for MSTo determine the acute and chronic effects of cooling therapy on patients with MS using objective functional performance measures and self-assessed measures of fatigue. Cooling demyelinated nerves can reduce conduction block, potentially improving symptoms of MS. Significant acute and chronic effects of cooling have not been demonstrated in a multi-center, controlled, blinded study using objective measures of neurologic function. Patients (N=84) with definite MS, mild to moderate disability (EDSS less than 6.0), and self-reported heat sensitivity were enrolled at 5 study sites. Acute effects of cooling were assessed by randomly assigning subjects to high-dose or low-dose cooling for one hour using an active cooling vest and cap (Life Enhancement Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). Settings were individualized to maintain the cooling garments at 55 F for the high-dose treatment and 70 F for the low-dose treatment. Both patients and examining investigators were blinded to treatment assignments. The MSFC and visual acuity/contrast sensitivity were assessed before and 30 minutes after treatment. The following week, subjects had an identical visit with the alternate cooling treatment. Chronic effects of cooling were assessed by randomly assigning the same subjects to unblinded daily home cooling or observation for 4 weeks. All subjects completed the Rochester Fatigue Diary (RFD) twice weekly and subjective measures of strength, cognition, and energy level daily. At the end of the period, subjects completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and underwent another high-dose cooling session with assessment of the MSFC and vision. After a one-week washout period, subjects crossed over to the alternate 4-week treatment. Oral temperatures were reduced with both acute treatments (0.8 +/- .06 F, high and 0.5 +/- .06 F, low). While mean MSFC did not change significantly during individual cooling sessions, post hoc analysis pooling the 3 high-dose cooling sessions revealed an improvement in MSFC scores (acute phase 0.064 +/- 0.020, p = 0.0013; chronic phase 0.044 +/- 0.021, p = 0.0368) from before to after cooling. The change in MSFC scores during the acute cooling sessions was not related to the extent of change in oral temperatures. Both the RFD score and the MFIS indicate a significantly lower fatigue level during the cooling month compared to observation (RFD, 2.53 +/- 0.83,p = 0.0033; MFIS 7.63 +/- 1.56, p = 0.0001).
Document ID
20010048411
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Luna, Bernadette
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Schwid, Steven W.
Cutter, Gary
Murray, Ronald
Bowen, James
Pellegrino, Richard
Guisado, Raul
Webbon, Bruce W.
DeVincenzi, Donald
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 5, 2001
End Date: May 11, 2001
Sponsors: American Academy of Neurology
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 251-50-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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