Home Standing Frame in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Investigators randomized 71 patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) to a home standing frame group and 69 patients to usual-care group. The home standing frame consists of platforms with adjustable, padded bars to support the legs and torso. Participants were instructed to stand in the frame for 30 minutes, three times per week. After 20 weeks, they were encouraged to continue on their own volition. At baseline, patients required a walker to ambulate, or they were nonambulatory.

In each group, 61 participants completed the 36-week study. At 36 weeks, motor function (measured by the Amended Motor Club Assessment score) was a baseline-adjusted 4.7 points higher in the standing frame group. As anticipated, scores were even higher when…