Pilot randomized trial of progressive resistance exercise augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation for people with multiple sclerosis who use walking aids.
Study Goal
To investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a home progressive resistance training program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation in people with multiple sclerosis.
Results Summary
The NMES group showed significant improvements in quadriceps endurance, balance, physical impact of MS, and impact of fatigue compared to the PRT group. Participants rated the NMES device as highly usable.
Population
People with multiple sclerosis who use a walking aid (N=37).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) | decrease | MFIS score | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | - | Only change in MFIS score was significantly greater in the NMES group than the PRT group | #1 |
home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) | increase | quadriceps endurance | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | median of change, 8.5 | improved significantly in quadriceps endurance | #2 |
home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) | increase | balance | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | median of change, 3.5 | improved significantly in balance | #3 |
home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) | decrease | physical impact of MS | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | median of change, -8.3 | improved significantly in physical impact of MS | #4 |
home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) | decrease | impact of fatigue | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | median of change, -17 | improved significantly in impact of fatigue | #5 |
neuromuscular electrical stimulation device | increase | device usability | People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a walking aid | - | rated as highly usable | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Participant homes. PARTICIPANTS: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) (N=37) who use a walking aid. INTERVENTIONS: A 12-week home PRT program or the same program augmented by NMES. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Strength using hand-held dynamometry; repeated sit to stand test; Berg Balance Scale; timed Up & Go test; 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale; Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, version 2; and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The NMES group also completed a device usability questionnaire. RESULTS: Only change in MFIS score was significantly greater in the NMES group than the PRT group (P=.012). The NMES group improved significantly in quadriceps endurance (median of change, 8.5; P=.043), balance (median of change, 3.5; P=.001), physical impact of MS (median of change, -8.3; P=.001), and impact of fatigue (median of change, -17; P=.001). Participants rated the device as highly usable. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that a home PRT program with NMES is feasible, and the neuromuscular electrical stimulation device is usable by this population. Only reduction in impact of fatigue was greater in the NMES than the PRT group.