Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Feasibility and effects of a group kickboxing program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot report
Kurt Jackson1, Kimberly Edginton-Bigelow, Camille Bowsheir
1Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA. kurt.jackson@udayton.edu
Background And Purpose:
Balance and mobility impairments are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of group kickboxing on balance and mobility in individuals with MS.
Methods:
Four individuals with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS participated in a group kickboxing program two times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking speed and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC).
Results:
Following training, 3 of 4 participants had improvements in BBS performance. All participants demonstrated improvements in the DGI. Changes in the TUG, ABC, and walking speed were more variable.
Conclusion:
Group kickboxing appears to be a feasible exercise activity for individuals with MS and may lead to improvement in select measures of balance. Further investigation may be warranted.
