Effect of physical exercise on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance and resiliency in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Exercise is an essential component in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a combined aerobic and resistance training programme on muscular strength, static and dynamic balance and resiliency of women with MS. Twenty participants aged 20-40 years with an expanded disability status Scale Level of 2 to 5 were selected. Participants were
randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group (age=36.1±2.2 years) and Control Group (age=34.3±5.4 years). The experimental group performed combination training that included aerobic and resistance exercises for eight weeks, three times a week, with an intensity of 40% to 55% heart rate reserve. The strength of knee flexor and extensor muscles, dynamic and static balance and resiliency level using Connor-Davidson were assessed. There were significant (p≤0.05) changes in all measured parameters for the Intervention Group, no significant (p>0.05) changes were found from pre- to post-test in the Control Group. Eight weeks of combined training improved significantly (p≤0.05) for muscle strength, balance and resiliency level in the Experimental Group when compared to the Control Group. Combined training may inevitably aid daily functioning and mental health in individuals with MS.

Keywords: Concurrent training; Endurance training; Multiple sclerosis; Physical exercise.