Abstract:
Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of two treatment methods of ‘combination pharmacological treatment and treadmill training’ and ‘pharmacological treatment’ on management of multiple sclerosis (MS) female patients. Methods: In this quasi experimental and interventional study a sample of 20 MS patients (mean age: 36.75 years) with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (EDSS) 1.0 to 4.0 were randomly assigned to a ‘pharmacologic treatment’ (Ph) group and a combination group of ‘pharmacologic treatment& treadmill training’ (PhTT). All these individuals used the drugs of choice ‘Rebif’ and ‘Avonex’. The intervention consisted of 8-weeks (24 sessions) of treadmill training (30 minutes each), at 40 - 75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate for the PhTT group. The Ph group followed their own routine treatment program. Balance, speed and endurance of walking, quality of life and fatigue were measured by Berg Balance Score, 10 meter timed walk test, 2 minute walk test, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS).Data were analyzed by paired t test and one way ANOVA. Results: Comparison of results indicated that pre and post intervention led to significant improvements in the balance score (P=0.001), 10m walk time (P=0.001), walking endurance (P=0.007), and FFS (P=0.04) in the PhTT group. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the Ph group’s balance score, 10m timed walk and fatigue, while there was a significant decrease in the 2min walking distance (P=0.015) in this group. Conclusion: These results suggest that treadmill training in combination with pharmacological treatment improve balance and walking capacity and level of fatigue in women with mild to moderate MS.
Machine summary:
Iranian Rehabilitation Journal, Vol. 11, No. 17, April 2013 Original Article The effects of Combined Treadmill Training and Pharmacological Treatment on management of Multiple Sclerosis female patients Azra Ahmadi School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Semnan university, Semnan, Iran Shahla Zahednejad, PhD.
Conclusion: These results suggest that treadmill training in combination with pharmacological treatment improve balance and walking capacity and level of fatigue in women with mild to moderate MS.
Characteristics of the 20 subjects with multiple sclerosis enrolled in the study (second) P: P values assessed by one-way ANOVA After medical history screening, participants were asked to complete the FFS (11,23) to assess the baseline level of fatigue.
Intervention program: The PhTT group subjects completed the supervised treadmill training (three sessions per week) exercises for eight consecutive weeks, in addition to their own treatment drug schedule.
Effects of a short term exercise training program on aerobic fitness, fatigue, health perception and activity level of subjects with multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion The findings of the present study show that treadmill training accompanied by pharmacological treatment led to clinically significant balance improvement, level of fatigue reduction and increased mean speed in patients with mild to moderate MS.
Can aerobic treadmill training reduce the effort of walking and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
Effect of aerobic training on walking capacity and maximal exercise tolerance in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized crossover controlled study.