The Effect of Aquatic Exercise and Swimming on Standing Stability of Three Different Clinical Forms of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective It was a survey of the effect of a combined program of aquatic exercise and swimming on standing stability of three different clinical forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Design 31 MS subjects were divided into three groups, based on spasticity, ataxia and ataxic-spastic syndromes. Standing stability was assessed in open and closed eyes conditions in quiet standing by use of Kistler force platform. The Ashworth Scale and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS) were used to determine the rate of spasticity and ataxia rating, respectively. All patients participated in the intervention (3 sessions in week for 2 months). All tests repeated after the exercise. Paired t-test and ANOVAs (repeated measure) were used to determine the effects of exercise on standing stability parameters. Result The total path length of center of pressure (eyes open position) before intervention was 1415.5±575.75mm, 1216.4±817.38mm and 1662.3±540.27mm compared to 1119.7±435.51mm, 655.53±256.31mm and 1169.6±369.67mm after intervention in ataxic, spastic and ataxic-spastic subjects, respectively (p<0.04). The rate of spasticity, EDSS and BARS decreased after the exercise program (p<0.05). Conclusion Aquatic exercise and swimming skill improved MS subjects' standing stability. Therefore, they are recommended to use the aquatic training as a complement treatment aside from medication treatments.