Can strength training modify voluntary activation, contractile properties and spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis?: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting muscle function.
• Spasticity and altered muscle activity are common challenges for individuals with MS.
• Strength training (ST) is a potential intervention to address these impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 10-week strength training (ST) program on muscle activity, voluntary activation, muscle contractile properties, and spasticity in people with MS.
• To compare the outcomes of ST intervention against a control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 participants with MS.
• Participants were assigned to either an experimental group (EG) performing 10 weeks of ST or a control group (CG).
• Measurements included surface electromyography (sEMG), central activation ratio (CAR), muscle contractile function, and spasticity assessments pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The EG demonstrated significant improvements in muscle activity (EMG0-200) and maximal neural drive compared to the CG.
• Spasticity was significantly reduced in the ST group, particularly in swing excursion and oscillation parameters.
• No significant changes in muscle contractile properties were observed in either group.

Conclusions:

• Ten weeks of ST effectively enhances muscle activity and reduces spasticity in individuals with MS.
• ST interventions do not appear to modify intrinsic muscle contractile properties in this population.
• These findings suggest ST is a valuable therapeutic approach for improving functional outcomes in MS.