Combining a supervised and home-based task-oriented circuit training improves walking endurance in patients with...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) frequently causes balance and mobility impairments, impacting daily life and quality of life.
• Task-oriented training can improve walking but effects are often short-lived, with home-based exercise facing barriers.
• A novel approach combining supervised and home-based task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined 2-week supervised TOCT followed by a 12-week home-based program for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
• To assess the impact of this intervention on walking ability, endurance, fatigue, and cardiorespiratory function.
• To determine the long-term retention of treatment effects.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 36 PwMS (EDSS 4-5.5, unassisted walking) assigned to an intervention group or a delayed-treatment control group.
• The intervention included 10 supervised TOCT sessions over two weeks, followed by a 12-week home-based program with monthly adjustments.
• Outcome measures included the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed 25-foot Walk Test (T25FW), and fatigue scales, assessed at multiple time points and at 12-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in 6MWT, T25FW, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and MS Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) compared to the control group.
• Resting muscle oxygen consumption (rmVO2) and fatigue levels improved significantly in the intervention group.
• Positive effects on 6MWT were retained 12 weeks post-intervention in the entire sample.

Conclusions:

• The combined supervised and self-managed task-oriented program effectively enhances walking endurance, ability, and cardiorespiratory function in PwMS.
• This intervention addresses impairments and activity limitations, potentially mitigating physical deconditioning.
• The program demonstrates feasibility and sustained benefits for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis experiencing mobility challenges.