title: Pilot randomized trial of progressive resistance exercise augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation for people with multiple sclerosis who use walking aids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled pilot trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participant homes.
  
  
  METHODS
  People with multiple sclerosis (MS) (N=37) who use a walking aid.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 12-week home PRT program or the same program augmented by NMES.
  
  
  METHODS
  Strength using hand-held dynamometry; repeated sit to stand test; Berg Balance Scale; timed Up & Go test; 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale; Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, version 2; and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The NMES group also completed a device usability questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only change in MFIS score was significantly greater in the NMES group than the PRT group (P=.012). The NMES group improved significantly in quadriceps endurance (median of change, 8.5; P=.043), balance (median of change, 3.5; P=.001), physical impact of MS (median of change, -8.3; P=.001), and impact of fatigue (median of change, -17; P=.001). Participants rated the device as highly usable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study suggests that a home PRT program with NMES is feasible, and the neuromuscular electrical stimulation device is usable by this population. Only reduction in impact of fatigue was greater in the NMES than the PRT group.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Therapies Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Electronic address: susan.coote@ul.ie.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coote
authors.affiliation: Clinical Therapies Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: Lonan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Research Ltd, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rainsford
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Research Ltd, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Conor
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Minogue
authors.affiliation: Physical Education and Sports Sciences Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donnelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D051341:Dependent Ambulation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005080:Exercise Test; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care
keywords: Mobility limitation; Multiple sclerosis; Rehabilitation; Therapeutic electrical stimulation