Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004 Feb;85(2):290-7
DeBolt LS, McCubbin JA.
Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Eastern Kentucky University,
Richmond, KY 40475, USA
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the effects of an 8-week home-based resistance exercise program on balance, power, and mobility in adults with multiple sclerosis.
DESIGN:
Experimental group design.
SETTING:
General community.
PARTICIPANTS:
Twenty-nine women (age, 50.3+/-8.5 y) and 8 men (age, 51.1+/-7.1 y) were stratified by disability level and age and were randomized into exercise (n=19) and control (n=17) groups.
INTERVENTION:
The exercise group had lower-extremity resistance training 3 times a week.
The control group maintained current level of physical activity.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Primary outcome measures included balance, as measured by anteroposterior sway, mediolateral sway, and sway velocity using the AccuSway(PLUS) force platform; mobility as assessed with the Up and Go test; and leg power as assessed with the Leg Extensor Power Rig.
RESULTS:
Leg extensor power improved significantly in the exercise group (pretest, 3.19+/-1.36 W/kg; posttest, 3.95+/-1.23 W/kg; P=.004), although measures of balance and mobility did not change.
CONCLUSIONS:
The home-based resistance program was well tolerated by participants and offered a practical means to improve leg extensor power in a short period of time.