Home-based exercise program in TSP/HAM individuals: a feasibility and effectiveness study.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based exercise program in TSP/HAM individuals. Methods: Twenty-three TSP/HAM individuals divided in two groups according to Timed Up and Go (TUG) score (<20s vs >= 20s) performed a 20-week home-based exercise program. The primary outcomes were exercise adherence, maximum voluntary isometric contraction of lower limbs (MVIC), Barthel Index and SF-36. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and barriers to exercise practice. Results: MVIC and the social functioning domain in SF-36 improved significantly in TUG <20s group. The individuals in the TUG >= 20s group improved significantly their physical functioning domain in SF-36. The total adherence to the 20-week home-based exercise program was 90%. There were mild to moderate adverse events related to exercise program. There were no adverse events related to MVIC test. Conclusions: The home-based exercise program was feasible and effective in improving disability and quality of life in individuals with TSP/HAM.