ABSTRACT
Background & Objective: Resistance training is deemed to be beneficial for multiple sclerosis patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether a program of RT and whole body vibration has any effect on the pattern of hormonal changes in female MS patients. Methods: Twenty-four female MS patients were enrolled in this study. They were aged between 20-40 years and ranged from 2-4 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Twelve patients took part in this protocole. The duration of the program was eight weeks, each sessions were held three times per week. The twelve controls did not take part in this program. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing-hormone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin and cortisol were measured before and after the protocole between the 8th and 10th day of the follicular phase of the patients’ menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics and co-variance analysis were adapted for evaluating the data. Results: Significant increases in levels of testosterone and prolaction, whereas a significant decrease in levels of cortisol were detected. Conclusion: The results provide clues as to the involvement of testosterone, prolactin and cortisol as possible mediators of the beneficial effects of resistance training and whole body vibration in multiple sclerosis.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an eight-week progressive resistance training and vibration program on strength and ambulatory function in multiple sclerosis [MS] patients. Twenty-Four female MS patients with the following demographics: age 27-45 years, and expanded disability status scale [EDSS] 2-4, participated in this study. The subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The exercise group [n=12] trained according to a progressive program, mainly consisting of resistance training and vibration, three times a week for eight weeks and compared with subjects in the control group [n=12] that received no intervention. Subjects completed one set of 5-12 reps at%50-70 maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]. After 5-10 minutes rest, six postures on plate vibration were done. Isotonic MVC of knee extensors, abduction of the scapula and downward rotation of the scapular girdle muscle groups were predicted by using the Brzycki formula. Right leg balance [RLB], left leg balance [LLB], and walking speed [10-Meter Walk Test] were assessed before and after the training program. Descriptive statistics and Co-variance were used for analyzing data. After eight weeks of training the exercise group showed significant increase in MVC of Knee extensors [32.3%], Abduction of the scapula [24.7%] and Downward Rotation Scapular [39.1%] muscle groups, RLB [33.5%], LLB [9.5%], and decrease in 10-Meter Walk Test [10MWT] [9.3%], [P<0.05]. The results of this study indicated this type of training can cause improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis