Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
08:48
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
17.2K
Gait changes following direct versus contralateral strength training: A randomized controlled pilot study in
A Manca1, A Peruzzi1, E Aiello2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Gait & Posture
|March 15, 2020
Summary
Contralateral strength training (CST) effectively increases leg strength in individuals with multiple sclerosis, similar to direct strength training (DST). However, only DST significantly improves walking speed and gait performance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Contralateral strength training (CST) is explored for indirect strength gains in untrained limbs.
- Its impact on gait performance in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of CST and direct strength training (DST) on gait parameters in PwMS.
- To evaluate changes in spatio-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait descriptors.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight PwMS with moderate gait impairment and strength asymmetry were randomized to CST or DST.
- A 6-week high-intensity resistance training program was implemented.
- Bilateral strength, gait, and lower limb biomechanics were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both CST and DST significantly increased muscle strength, with no significant difference between groups.
- Only DST led to significant improvements in gait speed and stride length.
- Ankle moments and range of motion remained unaffected by either training type.
Conclusions:
- CST is non-inferior to DST for increasing strength in the untrained limb of PwMS.
- DST is superior for improving gait speed and overall gait performance.
- CST may not be the optimal choice if the primary goal is to enhance gait parameters beyond strength gains.
