Keith - Here's a copy of the abstract mentioned in Free the Animal:

Authors: *B. BISHT1, W. DARLING1, E. SHIVAPOUR3, S. LUTGENDORF2, L.
SNETSELAAR6, M. HALL4, T. WAHLS5; 1Hlth. and Human Physiol., 2Dept. of
Psychology, Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; 3Dept. of Neuorology, 4VA Iowa
City, Dept. of Psychiatry, 5VA Iowa City, Dept. of Intrnl. Med., UI
Carver Col. of Med., Iowa City, IA; 6Dept. of Epidemiology, UI Col. of
Publ. Hlth., Iowa City, IA
Abstract: Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is characterized
by progressive muscle weakness, fatigue and deterioration of cognitive
functions. Effectiveness of drugs and interventions such as strength
training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and diet in treatment
of MS has been reported. However, reversal of deterioration of symptoms in
SPMS patients is rarely seen. In a case report of a patient (TW) with SPMS,
dramatic improvement in gait (transition from scooter dependence to mild
gait disability) was reported following a combination of interventions
including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a progressive home
exercise program (PEP) consisting of stretching and strengthening
exercises, and intensive directed nutrition (IDN) consisting of modified
Paleolithic diet and nutritional supplements. Thus, we investigated whether
individuals with SPMS can tolerate a similar combined intervention
including NMES, PEP and IDN and how this intervention affects their
fatigue, transfers and gait. Eleven subjects were recruited into a run-in
phase which included IDN and PEP. To enroll in the Main Study, subjects had
to fully comply with IDN and PEP. Nine subjects were enrolled into the main
study, with 8 showing very good compliance with each of the interventions
(IDN, PEP, and NMES) and one with fair compliance. We have outcome data for
6 months on 3 subjects and 3 months on 5 subjects. One subject had a
relapse during the 3rd month into the study and could not complete 25 foot
walk and get up and go tests at that time. Thus, in this preliminary
analysis data of only 4 subjects are presented. Characteristics at baseline
(mean, range): Age and sex (51.25, 45-54 years, all female), years since MS
diagnosis (11.75, 3-20), EDSS (6.1, 6-6.5). At 3 months, outcome measures
improved from baseline as follows: Fatigue Severity Scale by 34.2%, Timed
25 foot walk by 16.6%, Get up and go test by 20.7%, average speed during 25
foot walk test by 20.35% and total Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale
(MSSS-88) by 16.3%. At 6 month average improvement of first 3 subjects were
as follows: Fatigue Severity Scale by 31.4%, Timed 25 foot walk by 14.4%,
Get up and go test by 27.1%, average speed during 25 foot walk test by
17.5% and total MSSS-88 by 26.5%. No significant adverse events were
reported. In conclusion, individuals with SPMS are willing to complete a
complex behavioral change involving intensive directed nutrition,
neuromuscular electrical stimulation and progressive exercise program.
Preliminary results indicate beneficial effects of this combined
intervention on fatigue and gait in subjects with a progressive disease who
are not expected to show improvement.
Disclosures: B. Bisht: None. W. Darling: None. E. Shivapour: None. S.
Lutgendorf: None. L. Snetselaar: None. M. Hall: None. T. Wahls: Ownership
Interest; Minding My Mitochondria, TZ press, L.L.C. provided to subject
free of cost..