Walking performance differs between people with multiple sclerosis who perform distinct types of exercise

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting gait and mobility.
• Exercise interventions are crucial for managing MS symptoms and maintaining functional independence.
• Understanding the impact of different exercise parameters on walking performance is essential for personalized rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how varying types, volumes, and intensities of exercise influence walking performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• To compare the effects of different exercise regimens on gait metrics in people with MS.
• To identify optimal exercise strategies for improving walking ability in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five participants with relapsing-remitting MS underwent two 2-minute walk tests at preferred and fast speeds.
• Gait metrics, including speed reserve and variability, were measured using wireless inertial sensors.
• Participants self-reported exercise details: type (aerobic, resistance), volume, and intensity.

Main Results:

• Participants engaging in combined aerobic and resistance exercises demonstrated superior walking speed reserve compared to those performing aerobic-only exercises.
• Gait variability was also significantly improved in the combined exercise group.
• These improvements suggest a synergistic effect of combined training modalities.

Conclusions:

• The type and volume of exercise significantly influence walking performance in individuals with mild multiple sclerosis disability.
• Combined aerobic and resistance exercise appears more beneficial for enhancing walking metrics than aerobic exercise alone.
• These findings support tailored exercise prescription for optimizing gait function in MS populations.