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Updated: May 20, 2025
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Implications of maximal muscle strength and aerobic capacity for lower extremity physical function in people with
Laurits Taul-Madsen, Ulrik Dalgas1, Hjalte Riis
1Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by impairment of physical function that is often linked to neuromuscular and cardiovascular deficits. However, the specific contributions of muscle strength and aerobic capacity to physical function in MS are not fully understood.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the independent roles of maximal muscle strength (MVC) and aerobic capacity (VO2peak) on lower extremity physical function, as measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and five-time sit-to-stand test (5STS) in people with MS (pwMS).
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, 150 pwMS underwent assessment of VO2peak, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and physical function (6MWT and 5STS). Regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between physiological parameters and physical function.
Results:
MVC and VO2peak were moderately associated with (i.e., explained) 6MWT (R² = 0.40, p < 0.001), yet with VO2peak (β = 7.9, std. β = 0.45, p < 0.001) having a preferential influence compared to MVC (β = 48.2, std. β = 0.26, p < 0.001). MVC and VO2peak were weakly associated with (i.e., explained) 5STS (R² = 0.14, p < 0.001), yet with MVC (β = 0.06, std. β = 0.28, p = 0.004) having a preferential influence compared to VO2peak (β = 0.00, std. β = 0.16, p = 0.101).
Conclusion:
Both maximal muscle strength and aerobic capacity to physical function in pwMS. Maximal muscle strength was preferentially linked to performance in the 5STS test, whereas aerobic capacity was preferentially linked to performance in the 6MWT. These findings support the need for tailored exercise interventions to target specific physiological deficits during MS rehabilitation.
