A cluster-randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis (COB-MS)
2025

Cognitive Occupation-Based Programme for Multiple Sclerosis

Sample size: 110 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hynes Sinéad M., Dwyer Christopher P., Alvarez-Iglesias Alberto, Rogers Fionnuala, Joyce Robert A., Oglesby Megan H., Moses Anusha, Bane Eimear, Counihan Timothy J., Charamba Beatrice, COB-MS PPI Advisory Panel

Primary Institution: University of Galway

Hypothesis

The study evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Cognitive Occupation-Based programme (COB-MS) for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Conclusion

The COB-MS programme is feasible and shows preliminary clinical efficacy for improving cognitive functioning in people with MS.

Supporting Evidence

  • The COB-MS intervention was well-accepted by participants and occupational therapists.
  • Participants in the COB-MS group showed significant improvement in the primary outcome measure compared to the control group.
  • Retention rates were high, with 94% of participants completing the post-intervention assessment.
  • Qualitative feedback indicated that participants found the program beneficial for managing cognitive difficulties.
  • The study met its progression criteria for feasibility, indicating readiness for a definitive trial.

Takeaway

This study tested a program to help people with Multiple Sclerosis improve their thinking skills and found it to be helpful and easy to use.

Methodology

Participants were randomly assigned to either the COB-MS intervention or a wait-list control group, with assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-ups at 12 weeks and 6 months.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the single-blind design and the online delivery of the intervention.

Limitations

The trial was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which required changes to the delivery method and may have affected participant engagement.

Participant Demographics

Participants had a mean age of 48.2 years, with 67.3% female and a variety of MS phenotypes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 5.6 to 13.4

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s10072-024-07757-5

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