Effects of Eight-week Resistance Training Program in Men With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background:Muscle weakness and fatigue contribute to the reduction of daily activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Therapeutic strategies to promote improvements in muscle strength and endurance are limited in individuals with MS. Some evidence showed that exercise may improve and affect different aspects of the disease including quality of life, fatigue, motor and cognitive functions.Objectives:To investigate the value of resistance training of moderate to high intensity on motor function, muscle strength, balance and perceived disability in male patients with multiple sclerosis compared to a control group.Patients and Methods:20 male patients with MS (mean ± SD, age: 34.05 ± 7.8 y; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 2.94 ± 1.5) were recruited and randomized either to the exercise (E) or control group (C). Group E participated in a three-time weekly individualized progressive resistance-training program (both upper and lower extremities) for eight weeks, while group C was advised not to change their physical activity habits. All initial measures (including EDSS, balance, muscle strength, and functional mobility) were re-evaluated at the end of the program.Results:Two patients of group E left the program. The other eight subjects completed the program with no MS-related exacerbations/complications. There was a significant change in 2 of 3 aspects of ambulatory function [Three minutes step test (P = 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (P = 0.009)], muscle strength (P = 0.000), and EDSS (P = 0.014). Comparing the two groups, we did not observe any significant change in “Balance” (P = 0.407).Conclusions:The resistance training of moderate to high intensity was well-tolerated in MS patients and may be an effective intervention for improving muscle strength, functional ability and EDSS-based disease severity.

Benefits of Static Stretching, Pliates® and Elastic Bands Resistance Training on Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Study

“…Additionally, 6 weeks of isokinetic strength training are sufficient to increase maximum strength and reduce the levels of fatigue in the ankle dorsiflexors of MS patients [40], which showed that a very short circuit training program with elastic bands designed for MS patients generates modest improvements in power, an increase in functional capacity and a reduction of their perception of fatigue. Similarly, the same training period performed three times per week by means of seated rowing, chest press, leg extension and leg press exercises significantly improved performance in the 10 m timed walk test, the 3 min step test and the timed up and go test, with no significant effects on balance [41]. The discrepancies between the previous two studies and this one, concerning the effects of strength training on body balance, can be attributed on the one hand to the different instruments utilized for assessment, and on the other hand to the different type of contraction performed: in this research, the use of elastic bands instead of gym machines or calisthenics exercises can account for a continuous and greater stimulus of neuro-muscular coordination, which reflects positively on body balance.…”

Effect of Isometric Exercises on Ability and Balance of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

“…Furthermore, group exercise training has a beneficial effect on improvement of the balance, quality of life, and preservation of functional status [20]. Resistance training program on patients with MS demonstrated that these exercises improved muscle strength, balance, seated rowing, and leg extension on the treatment group [12].…”

“…Isometric exercises are very simple and do not require any special tools. Thus, these exercises can be suggested for different age groups as patients can do them at any time of the day and in every situation [12]. To the best of our knowledge, there is no specific study conducted on the impacts of isometric exercises on MS patients.…”

“…Exercises such as aquatic exercises and aerobic exercises can improve walking, reduce fatigue, and improve life quality in these patients [11]. Notably, resistance exercise has beneficial effects on increasing muscular strength and could improve the daily performance in MS patients [12]. Currently, these exercises are mostly used in the rehabilitation of the patients with paresis, surgical motor problems, lower back and neck pain.…”

Muscular, cardiac, ventilatory and metabolic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: Implications for screening, clinical care and endurance and resistance exercise therapy, a scoping review

“…Following exercise rehabilitation/therapy pwMS experienced significant improvements in muscle characteristics. In particular, improvements in muscle strength, muscle endurance, muscle mass, neuromuscular function or neural drive were reported after (progressive) resistance [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] or combined (resistance and endurance) exercise training [82;83]. Improvements were even higher after high-intensity exercise training, suggesting that these changes are exercise intensity related [82][83][84].…”