title: Feasibility and effects of a group kickboxing program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Balance and mobility impairments are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of group kickboxing on balance and mobility in individuals with MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four individuals with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS participated in a group kickboxing program two times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking speed and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following training, 3 of 4 participants had improvements in BBS performance. All participants demonstrated improvements in the DGI. Changes in the TUG, ABC, and walking speed were more variable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Group kickboxing appears to be a feasible exercise activity for individuals with MS and may lead to improvement in select measures of balance. Further investigation may be warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA. kurt.jackson@udayton.edu
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edginton-Bigelow
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bowsheir
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weston
authors.forename: Ember
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D001914:Boxing; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome