Group exercise training for balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune inflammatory disease. Fatigue, motor weakness, spasticity, poor mobility and balance are some clinical features of MS. Numerous studies have shown benefits of both endurance and resistance exercise in people with MS. The current study explores the effects of a Group Exercise program on mobility, fatigue and quality of life in patients with MS.
MS patients were divided into two groups – control and Group Exercise (GE). The GE group participated in three exercise sessions (60 mins) per week for 12 weeks. The GE program was designed by physical therapists and included flexibility, strengthening for lower extremity, and balance exercises. The Berg Balance scale was used to measure postural stability and the 10-meter walk test was used to assess gait. Spasticity, fatigue and quality of life were also assessed.
Patients in the GE group reported statistically significant improvements in balance and gait compared to the control group. In addition, lower extremity spasticity and fatigue were decreased. Taken together this study shows that group exercise had a positive effect on patients with MS. Future studies comparing group exercise to individual exercise (patient with physical therapist only) may provide further evidence as to whether group exercise is more beneficial > From Tarakci et al., Clin Rehabil (2013) (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to Sage Publications.
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