Effect of six weeks resistance training on fall risk and reaction speed in Multiple Sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease. MS is characterized by clinical symptoms resulting from lesions in the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves that can affect movement, balance, gait, and fall risk. The overwhelming majority have abnormalities of postural control and gait even early in the disease course. In all, ۵۰-۸۰% have balance and gait dysfunction and over ۵۰% fall at least once each year. This study was executed to determine the effect of six weeks resistance training on fall risk and reaction speed in Multiple Sclerosis patients.In this quasi-experimental study, ۲۳ Multiple sclerosis patients between the ages of ۲۰-۵۰ and with the EDSS of ۳-۷ were divided by disability level and randomized into control (n=۱۰) and resistance training (n=۱۳) groups.the experimental group received resistance training, ۳ times a week, for six weeks. Resistance training protocol was included three sessions per week for six weeks and intensity of training was ۵۵% of ۱RM. The control group didn’t do any physical activity.before and after the intervention, fall risk was measured by (Biodex Balance Assessment System) and reaction speed was measured by (nelson reaction speed test (ruler drop test).the experimental group showed significant improvement in fall riskand reaction speed in comparison with the control group.resistance training improves fall risk and reaction speed more than control group in subjects with M.S. Therefore, it could be considered as an effective intervention program in the training sessions for rehabilitation.

کلیدواژه ها:

fall risk ، reaction speed ، resistance training ، multiple sclerosis