ABSTRACT
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and autoimmune disease. Muscle weakness and fatigue leads to decreased functional capacities and diminished quality of life in Multiple Sclerosis patients
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercises on fatigue and quality of life in women with Multiple Sclerosis
Methods: Fifteen women with Multiple Sclerosis [aged 33.68 +/- 8.22 years] and Expanded Disability StatusScale < 4 participated in this study. Subjects were randomly divided to experimental [8 patients] and control group [7 patients]. The experiment group went through Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5 aerobic activity for 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 20-40 min/day, with 60-80% of maximum Heart Rate on treadmill. Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5 questionnaire on fatigue and quality of life [SF-36] and additionally, walking endurance of subjects were measured before and after program in both experimental and control groups
Results: Data analysis showed that the aerobic exercise led to improvement of quality of life in MS patients [P=0.001]. Therefore, the exercise program led to a significant decrease in fatigue in experimental group [P=0.001]; while fatigue increased in control group. Additionally, after the 8-week aerobic activity, walking endurance increased significantly in experimental group [P=0.000]; and decreased significantly in control group [P=0.04]
Conclusion: Considering study results, it can be stated that aerobic exercises may increase walking endurance and improvement of quality of life of Multiple Sclerosis patients and decrease fatigue