Comparing endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare adaptations in functional and quality of life measures following endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
Cross-over design with an eight-week washout period.


METHODS
Community health centre.


METHODS
Sixteen individuals with multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
Subjects completed both an eight-week endurance- and an eight-week resistance-exercise training programme in a randomized order. The exercise training comprised individualized progressive programmes that were completed twice weekly in a supervised group setting.


METHODS
Grip strength, functional reach, four step square, timed up and go and six-minute walk tests, Multiple Sclerosis Impact and Modified Fatigue Impact Scales, Becks Depression Inventory and the Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36.


RESULTS
Sixteen of 21 (76%) subjects completed the study. Subjects attended 13.2 ± 1.6 endurance- and 15.8 ± 1.9 resistance-exercise training sessions. No adverse events were reported. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in any outcome measures were observed between the two exercise training programmes either at baseline or following the completion of both training programmes.


CONCLUSIONS
Both endurance- and resistance-exercise training were well tolerated and appear to provide similar effects for people with multiple sclerosis, but larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
Sabapathy
Nicole M
NM
School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Griffith University, Australia. n.sabapathy@griffith.edu.au
Minahan
Clare L
CL
Turner
Grant T
GT
Broadley
Simon A
SA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile