Effectiveness of blood flow-restricted slow walking on mobility in severe multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking (BFR-W) versus conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) in improving gait speed and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities.
Results Summary
BFR-W was found to be safe, with lower perceived exertion and heart rate compared to CON-W. Both groups showed significant improvements in gait speed, with BFR-W demonstrating greater increases (13% vs. 5%) and more durable clinical benefits. Most secondary outcomes improved in both groups without significant between-group differences.
Population
Patients with progressive MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 5.5–6.5), aged 58 ± 5 years, including 7 males.
Effective Dosage
12 rehabilitation sessions over 6 weeks (interval walking with BFR bands at the thighs for BFR-W; physiotherapist-assisted overground walking for CON-W).
Duration
6 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | no change | safety/feasibility | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | safely walked without limitations due to sleeve compression | #1 |
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | decrease | perceived exertion (RPE) | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | lower increase in perceived exertion (RPE) | #2 |
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | decrease | heart rate | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | lower increase in heart rate | #3 |
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | increase | gait speed | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | +13% | improved significantly | #4 |
conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) | increase | gait speed | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | +5% | improved significantly | #5 |
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | increase | gait speed | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | greater increases | #6 |
blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) | increase | most of the secondary outcomes | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | significantly improved | #7 |
conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) | increase | most of the secondary outcomes | patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities | - | significantly improved | #8 |
slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs | increase | gait speed | patients with MS | - | superior to overground walking in improving gait speed | #9 |
slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs | decrease | training load | patients with MS | - | lower training load | #10 |
slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs | increase | clinical benefit | patients with MS | - | more durable clinical benefit | #11 |
OBJECTIVE: We tested the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) compared with conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) at improving gait speed and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities. METHODS: 24 patients (58 ± 5 years; 7 males) with progressive MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 5.5 - 6.5) were randomized to receive 12 rehabilitation sessions over 6 weeks. The BFR-W group (n = 12) performed interval walking (speed paced by a metronome that increased weekly) with BFR bands at the thighs. The CON-W group (n = 12) received physiotherapist-assisted overground walking therapy. The primary outcome was gait speed, measured by the timed 25-foot walk test. Secondary outcomes included walking endurance, balance, strength, fatigue, and quality of life. The measurements were collected at baseline, at the end of training, and a 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups did not present any baseline difference. BFR-W group safely walked without limitations due to sleeve compression, with lower increase in perceived exertion (RPE) (P < .001) and heart rate (P = .031) compared with the CON-W. Gait speed improved significantly in both groups (BFR-W + 13%; CON-W + 5%) with greater increases in the BFR-W group at end of the training (P = .001) and at the follow-up (P = .041). Most of the secondary outcomes significantly improved in the two groups, without between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs was superior to overground walking in improving gait speed in patients with MS with a lower training load and a more durable clinical benefit.