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Changes in walking speed following resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
February 1, 2025
Connor McManaman et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewMeta-AnalysisHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of lower limb resistance training on walking speed in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Results Summary

The meta-analysis found a significant but variable improvement in walking speed (0.10 m/s) favoring resistance training, with larger improvements noted over shorter distances. Variability across studies suggests further research is needed to optimize resistance training prescriptions.

Population

Individuals with MS, mostly relapsing-remitting (85%) and mild-moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Score 1.0-6.0).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (3)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
lower limb resistance training
increase
walking speed
people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
-
may have the potential to improve
#1
resistance training
increase
walking speed
people with MS
0.10 m/s
significant yet variable improvement
#2
resistance training
increase
walking speed
people with MS
-
significantly improve
#3
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reduced walking ability, especially decreased gait speed, is one of the most common and disabling impairments reported by people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Considering the impact of muscle strength on walking ability, resistance training may have the potential to improve walking speed in MS. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of lower limb resistance training on walking speed in people with MS. METHODS: Seven databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro], PsycINFO, and Sports Medicine and Education Index) were searched in March 2024 for studies that met the following eligibility criteria: randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of resistance training interventions on objective measures of walking speed in people with MS. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was performed to quantify intervention effect using a random effects model. RESULTS: Twelve randomized controlled trials were included, reporting data on 425 individuals with MS. Participants had mostly relapsing-remitting MS (85%) and a mild-moderate level of disability (Expanded Disability Status Score 1.0-6.0). Results of the meta-analysis (based on 7 of the included studies) indicated a significant yet variable improvement in walking speed in favor of the intervention (0.10 m/s, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.19, p < .05). Sensitivity analysis indicates that larger improvements in walking speed were found over tests covering shorter distances. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training was found to significantly improve walking speed in people with MS. However, variability in results were noted across studies; accordingly, future research should determine how variables-particularly related to resistance training prescription-influence the intervention effect.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansResistance TrainingWalking SpeedMultiple SclerosisMuscle StrengthRandomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality85/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.89
Normalized Score0.67
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Changes in walking speed following resistance training in pe... | Panacea Index