Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Fitness

Garssen, M., et al. (2004). Physical training and fatigue, fitness, and quality of life in Guillain-Barré syndrome and CIDP. Neurology, 63, 2393-2395.

Since severe fatigue is common even after recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), the purpose of this study was two-fold: first, to determine if a training protocol could be tolerated by patients recovering from GBS or CIDP, and if it would decrease their fatigue; and second, to determine the effect of a training program on physical fitness, muscle strength, functional outcome, anxiety and depression, disability, and quality of life.

This study includes answers to many questions about physical activity and its effects on individuals with GBS and CIDP. Most importantly, it found that these individuals with these conditions can manage exercise despite their fatigue, and that the exercise will benefit their health in ways similar to other individuals.

Read the complete abstract at http://www.ncpad.org/272/1725/Physical~training~and~fatigue~~fitness~~and~quality~of~life
~in~Guillain-Barr~~233~~syndrome~and~CIDP.

Wheelchair Users Needed for Magic Wheels Study

If you are currently experiencing shoulder pain and use a manual wheelchair, please consider participating in this research study. The purpose of this study is to test a 2-speed (power-assisted) manual wheelchair wheel. The wheel will attach to your personal wheelchair. In addition to using the wheels, participants in the study will receive monetary compensation. Obtain more information at http://www.ncpad.org/690/3159/2005-05-01#1.