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Sex differences in strength, functional capacity and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis: An exploratory
Luis Andreu-Caravaca1, Domingo J Ramos-Campo2, Ana Martos-Bonilla3
1Facultad de Deporte. UCAM, Universidad Católica de Murcia. Murcia. Spain; Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences. Universidad Católica de Murcia. Murcia. Spain.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|May 26, 2024
Summary
Men with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit greater maximal leg strength than women. Rehabilitation programs should consider these sex-specific differences in strength and explosive power for personalized training.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Current exercise programs often overlook sex-based physiological differences.
- Disease progression and functional outcomes can vary significantly between sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex disparities in strength, functional capacity, and mobility.
- To specifically analyze sex-dependent differences in leg strength among multiple sclerosis patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 35 multiple sclerosis patients (19 female, 16 male).
- Assessment of body composition, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD), central activation ratio (CAR), functional capacity, and mobility.
Main Results:
- Males showed significant differences in height, lean body mass, and MVIC compared to females.
- Men with MS demonstrated higher maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD) in their stronger leg.
- Women with MS showed higher RFD in their stronger leg, but no sex differences were found in other assessed variables.
Conclusions:
- Maximal strength varies between males and females with multiple sclerosis.
- The weaker leg shows reduced explosive strength irrespective of sex.
- Findings highlight the need for sex-tailored training programs in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.
