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

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Muscle weakness and fatigue limit daily activities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• Current therapeutic strategies for improving muscle strength and endurance in MS are limited.
• Exercise shows potential to improve quality of life, fatigue, and motor/cognitive functions in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of moderate to high-intensity resistance training on motor function, muscle strength, balance, and perceived disability in male MS patients.
• To compare the effects of resistance training against a control group in male individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• Twenty male MS patients (mean age 34.05 ± 7.8 years, EDSS 2.94 ± 1.5) were randomized into exercise (E) or control (C) groups.
• Group E underwent 8 weeks of individualized progressive resistance training (upper/lower extremities) three times weekly.
• Group C maintained their usual physical activity levels; all measures were reassessed post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in ambulatory function (3-minute step test, Timed Up and Go test), muscle strength, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in the exercise group.
• No significant changes in balance were detected between the groups (P = 0.407).
• The resistance training program was well-tolerated, with no MS-related exacerbations reported in the exercise group.

Conclusions:

• Moderate to high-intensity resistance training is a safe and effective intervention for male MS patients.
• This training modality can enhance muscle strength, functional capacity, and potentially reduce disease severity as measured by EDSS.
• Resistance exercise offers a promising approach to managing physical impairments associated with multiple sclerosis.