A multicenter randomized controlled trial of two group education programs for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Long-term (12-month) follow-up at one site

Abstract

Background: A four-site RCT of Fatigue: Take Control (FTC), a multicomponent group program, found no significant differences from a control program, MS: Take Control (MSTC), in fatigue on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) through 6\u2009months. Objective: Assess FTC for a delayed effect on fatigue. Methods: Of 78 subjects at one site, 74 randomized to FTC or MSTC completed the MFIS at 12\u2009months. Results: Compared to baseline, FTC produced greater improvements in MFIS scores than MSTC (FTC −8.9 (confidence interval (CI): 32.2, 45), MSTC −2.5 (CI 39.6, 47.7), p\u2009=\u20090.03) at 12\u2009months. Conclusion: The delayed effect of FTC on fatigue suggests the need for longer follow-up when assessing interventions for fatigue.