How do resistance training and balance and motor control training affect gait performance and fatigue impact in people with multiple sclerosis? A randomized controlled multi-center study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) and balance and motor control training (BMCT) on gait performance and fatigue impact in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
Results Summary
BMCT improved gait performance (T25FW, SSST) and self-perceived gait function compared to the control group, while PRT did not. Both BMCT and PRT reduced fatigue impact. BMCT was superior to PRT in dynamic balance, while PRT was superior in knee extensor muscle strength.
Population
People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and impaired mobility (T25FW > 5 seconds or SSST > 8 seconds).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
10 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | increase | Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | improved | #1 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | increase | Six Spot Step Test (SSST) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | improved | #2 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | increase | self-perceived gait function | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | improved | #3 |
progressive resistance training (PRT) | no change | Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | did not improve | #4 |
progressive resistance training (PRT) | no change | Six Spot Step Test (SSST) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | did not improve | #5 |
progressive resistance training (PRT) | no change | self-perceived gait function | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | did not improve | #6 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | increase | Six Spot Step Test (SSST) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | improved more than PRT | #7 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | no change | Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | did not differ from PRT | #8 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | decrease | fatigue impact | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | reduced | #9 |
progressive resistance training (PRT) | decrease | fatigue impact | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | reduced | #10 |
balance and motor control training (BMCT) | increase | dynamic balance | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | was superior to PRT | #11 |
progressive resistance training (PRT) | increase | knee extensor muscle strength | people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with impaired mobility | - | was superior to BMCT | #12 |
BACKGROUND: Despite a shared purpose of improving functional capacity, the principles of progressive resistance training (PRT) and balance and motor control training (BMCT) are fundamentally different. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of PRT and BMCT on gait performance and fatigue impact in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: A multi-center, single-blinded, cluster-randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups (PRT and BMCT) and a control group (CON). The interventions lasted 10 weeks. A total of 71 participants with impaired mobility (Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) > 5 seconds or Six Spot Step Test (SSST) > 8 seconds) were enrolled. Primary outcomes were the T25FW and the SSST. Fatigue impact, self-perceived gait function, 6-minute walk, balance, and muscle strength were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 83% completed the study. The primary comparisons showed that BMCT, but not PRT, improved T25FW, SSST, and self-perceived gait function when compared to CON. Secondary comparisons showed that BMCT improved SSST more than PRT, while T25FW did not differ. Both BMCT and PRT reduced the fatigue impact. Finally, the effect of BMCT was superior to PRT on dynamic balance, while PRT was superior to BMCT on knee extensor muscle strength. CONCLUSION: BMCT, but not PRT, was superior to CON in improving gait performance, while both BMCT and PRT reduced fatigue.