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Effects of a 6-month exercise program on patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized study.
A Romberg1, A Virtanen, J Ruutiainen
1Masku Neurologic Rehabilitation Centre, PO Box 15, FIN-21251 Masku, Finland. anders.romberg@ms-liitto.fi
Neurology
|December 15, 2004
Summary
This study found that a 6-month progressive exercise program significantly improved walking speed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The exercise intervention is safe and recommended for individuals with mild to moderate disability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting physical function.
- Improving mobility and functional capacity is crucial for patients with MS.
- Current rehabilitation strategies for MS often focus on symptom management, with exercise as a complementary approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a progressive 6-month exercise program in enhancing walking ability and physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To determine if a combined strength and aerobic training regimen can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in MS patients.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of a home-based exercise program for individuals with mild to moderate MS disability.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving MS patients with mild to moderate disability (EDSS 1.0-5.5).
- Intervention group received a 6-month progressive exercise program (strength and aerobic training) initiated during inpatient rehabilitation.
- Primary outcome: walking speed (7.62 m and 500 m walk tests); Secondary outcomes: strength, endurance, dexterity, peak oxygen uptake, and balance.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in walking speed were observed in the exercise group compared to the control group (p=0.04 for 7.62m, p=0.01 for 500m).
- Clinically meaningful improvements in the 7.62m walk test were noted in 22% of exercising patients.
- The exercise group demonstrated enhanced upper extremity endurance; however, other secondary outcomes did not show significant changes.
Conclusions:
- A progressive exercise program can effectively improve walking speed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The findings support the safety and recommendation of exercise interventions for individuals with mild to moderate MS.
- Further research may explore optimizing exercise protocols to address a broader range of functional deficits in MS.