Effect of 8-week Combined Training on Muscular performance and Functional and degree of disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of Combined (resistance and Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) training on Muscular performance and Functioning, and the degree of disability of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. To this end, thirty-seven male and female subjects with Multiple Sclerosis were randomly- purposefully assigned to the experimental (n=19, age=34.53±6.51, Weight=67.02±13.14, EDSS=2.55±1.21) and control (n=18, age=36.78±4.93, Weight=66.92±10.13, EDSS=2.88±0.97) groups. The experimental group received a combined (resistance and Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) training program for 8 weeks. In the experimental group, the Muscular performance and Functioning, and the degree of disability of the subjects were evaluated before and after the training protocol. The obtained Data were analyzed using independent T-test and paired sample T-test. The Results showed that 8 weeks of Combined training caused a significant increase in lower body strength (P=0.001), upper body strength (P=0.001), Dynamic balance (P=0.001), flexibility (P=0.001), gait speed and endurance (P=0.001) factors. But there was seen no statistically significant gain in the degree of disability factor (P=0.32). Therefore, a period of 8 weeks of Combined training (resistance and PNF) caused a significant increase of strength, balance and speed and distance of walking, without lowering the degree of disability factor. Therefore, it is suggested that this type of training be considered as part of the intervention in the rehabilitation program and improvement of patients.