The effect of a selected aquatic exercise on balance in subject with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common and progressive neurology sickness among young adults. Balance disorder is obviously seen with other symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a selected aquatic exercise program on the balance of subjects with multiple sclerosis.Materials and Methods: Thirty volunteer men with MS were participated from Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Association in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of fifteen people: control (Mean ± SD age; 35.6 ± 4.7 Years old, height ± SD; 176.7 ± 5.80 cm, weight ± SD; 73.41 ± 8.61 kg) and experimental (Mean ± SD age; 32.4 ± 3.8 years old, height ± SD; 174.5 ± 4.51cm, weight ± SD; 71.8 ± 7/52 Kg). The experimental group carried out selected aquatic exercises three days a week for four weeks. Control group asked to continue their routine activities during this period. Balance levels were evaluated using Berg test in experimental groups before and just after the aquatic exercises. Descriptive statistics, independent and paired samples t test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).Results: Between two groups in pre-test scores, finding showed no significant difference in balance status (P > 0.05), but in post-test, significant differences were seen between two groups (P < 0.05). Paired sample t test showed that balance significantly differed between pre- and post- treatments for the experimental group while no differences observed in the control group (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Aquatic exercise obviously improves balance in subjects with MS. Therefore, it could be considered as an effective intervention program in training sessions. Keywords: Aquatic exercise, Balance, Multiple Sclerosis