Background: a number of works studied the effects of exercise training in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. It is interesting to note that the anaerobic training was rarely adopted. However, it is still not so clear whether body capacities are modified independently on types of training (aerobic, anaerobic or flexibility training). Objective: the aim of this work was to understand if the aerobic, the anaerobic and the stretching exercises modify strength in patients with MS during a maximal voluntary contraction test (MVC), a maximal aerobic power test (VO2max), and muscle-tendon flexibility in torso and shoulder test. Methods: a group of 10 MS patients (44±6 years; 59±7 kg; 58±7 cm) was enrolled in two different types of training lasted 8 months: 1) resistance strength exercises with stretching between sets; 2) aerobic exercises on a bike followed by stretching. Results: the data were analysed with Anova Friedman and Dunns Post Hoc test. The results underline an increase in shoulders (P<0,05; +8%) and torso muscle-tendon flexibility (P<0,01; +12%) and a decrease in lower limbs strength (P<0,01; -27%). Not statistically significant variation was observed in lower limb VO2 and upper limb strength. Conclusion: in this sample of patients with MS, the stretching associated to aerobic or anaerobic training improves muscles-tendon flexibility. Training had a conservative effect on VO2max and upper limb strength was not observed a positive effect in lower limb strength (MVC). This longitudinal study allows to asses that patients with MS can follow a flexibility, an aerobic and anaerobic training for 8 months. Anaerobic exercise training was herein proposed and the compliance of the patient verified. Finally, the increase in flexibility suggests to offer this form of training to sustain the quality of life of this kind of patients.
Aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility training in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
GOLLIN, MASSIMILIANO;RAINOLDI, Alberto
2009-01-01
Abstract
Background: a number of works studied the effects of exercise training in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. It is interesting to note that the anaerobic training was rarely adopted. However, it is still not so clear whether body capacities are modified independently on types of training (aerobic, anaerobic or flexibility training). Objective: the aim of this work was to understand if the aerobic, the anaerobic and the stretching exercises modify strength in patients with MS during a maximal voluntary contraction test (MVC), a maximal aerobic power test (VO2max), and muscle-tendon flexibility in torso and shoulder test. Methods: a group of 10 MS patients (44±6 years; 59±7 kg; 58±7 cm) was enrolled in two different types of training lasted 8 months: 1) resistance strength exercises with stretching between sets; 2) aerobic exercises on a bike followed by stretching. Results: the data were analysed with Anova Friedman and Dunns Post Hoc test. The results underline an increase in shoulders (P<0,05; +8%) and torso muscle-tendon flexibility (P<0,01; +12%) and a decrease in lower limbs strength (P<0,01; -27%). Not statistically significant variation was observed in lower limb VO2 and upper limb strength. Conclusion: in this sample of patients with MS, the stretching associated to aerobic or anaerobic training improves muscles-tendon flexibility. Training had a conservative effect on VO2max and upper limb strength was not observed a positive effect in lower limb strength (MVC). This longitudinal study allows to asses that patients with MS can follow a flexibility, an aerobic and anaerobic training for 8 months. Anaerobic exercise training was herein proposed and the compliance of the patient verified. Finally, the increase in flexibility suggests to offer this form of training to sustain the quality of life of this kind of patients.
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