Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 PhD Student, Department of Corrective Exercises and Sports Injuries, University of Tehran, Kish International Campus, Kish, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Corrective Exercises and Sports Injuries, School of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Injuries, School of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Corrective Exercises and Sports Injuries, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Exercise therapy is a supplementary method for the rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of an 8-week balance, resistance, and combined (balance-resistance) exercise program on balance, gait, and quality of life (QOL) in women with MS.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 30 women with MS (mean ± standard deviation of age: 34.6 ± 4.1) were randomly divided into balance, resistance, and combined exercise groups. The Berg Balance Scale, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were used, respectively, to evaluate balance, gait, and QOL. Patients underwent 3 separate intervention protocols for 8 weeks. The ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).Results: Balance and resistance exercises improved balance and resistance and combined exercises improved gait, but they did not significantly affect the patients’ QOL.Conclusion: It can be concluded that balance and resistance exercises have a positive effect on balance and combined and resistance exercise has positive effects on gait; thus, they can be recommended as a supplementary rehabilitation intervention for women with MS.
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