UW Study Indicates Exercise Can Be Beneficial to Those With MS

Taken from the Summer 97 edition of Contact by 
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County  

Is exercise an effective way to deal with the strength and motor control losses that multiple sclerosis produces? This is one question that interests many individuals with MS and was the impetus for a recent study conducted by Alan D. Alquist, Exercise Scientist and George H. Kraft at the University of Washington.

Alquist and Kraft noted that there has been very little research on this topic to date. What has been established in the scientific literature is that increases in skeletal muscle strength through progress resistance exercise (PRE) requires the development of a certain level of intramuscular tension through coordinated movements over specific periods of time. Persons with MS are impaired in their ability to generate the intramuscular tension necessary for strength training and are also hampered by the fatigue that accompanies the disease.

The Alquist/Kraft study looked at skeletal muscle in both mild and advanced motor-challenged MS patients, while treating them with a PRE program and attempted to answer the following questions: 1) Can PRE effectively strengthen major postural muscles and, ultimately, increase physical function and decrease disability? 2) Can skeletal muscle adaptation among persons with mild MS apply to those with severe MS? 3) Are the potential benefits of exercise training offset by resulting fatigue and/or temperature changes?

Eight women with MS participated in the study, which included a 12-week PRE program. Four had mild MS and four had severe MS. Participants exercised three times each week under careful supervision and were evaluated according to effects on the major upper (biceps and triceps) and lower limb (quadriceps and hamstrings) muscle groups. Each exercise session consisted of stretching of the treated muscle groups before and after training, and performance of three sets of repetitions for each muscle group.

Results of the study suggest that exercise may have more benefits and fewer negative effects for both mild and severe MS patients than was previously believed. Gains in peak strength were observed in all muscle groups, with significant upper and lower limb muscle group strength increases occurring with all, except for the quadriceps of those with severe MS. The absolute gains in strength were greater for those with mild MS, although this could be attributed to those with severe MS having weaker muscles to begin with.

Additionally, the study found increased ambulation velocity among both MS groups following the PRE treatment, improvements in stair climbing abilities as well as the performance of other strength tasks, and a reduction in self-reports of disability. There were also no injuries, exacerbations or other negative effects reported among those that participated in the PRE program.

As a result of the study, Alquist and Kraft conclude that progressive resistance exercise training among those with MS improves the ability to perform common daily activities, has a positive impact on their psycho-social, physical, and overall well-being, strengthens paretic muscles in those with central nervous system upper motor neuron weakness, and that the risks of PRE are minimal compared with potential benefits.

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