Kileff, J., & Ashburn, A.. (2005). A pilot study of the effect of aerobic exercise on people with moderate disability multiple sclerosis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 19, 165-169.
Abstract written by: Laila AliBiglou
The main purpose of this pilot study was to find the effects of an aerobic training program in improving function, specifically mobility, of people with moderate disability multiple sclerosis (MS). Six female subjects, recruited from outpatient clinics, completed this study consisting of 20 minute, bi-weekly sessions lasting 12 weeks. Participants cycled on a stationary bike at an individual maximal level of exertion. The goal of each subject intervention was to enable participants to reach their aerobic training zone. The study found a significant difference on the Guys Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS) and the 6-minute walk test in comparing pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, significant improvements in disability took place in lower limb function which reflected the training effect. Since these results show endurance improvement in the subjects, it may be concluded that one of the benefits of the aerobic exercise training for people with MS is endurance enhancement and that it has positive implications for individuals' lifestyles.
To read the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/538/2478/Emerging~Evidence~~A~pilot~study~of~the~effect~of~aerobic~
exercise~on~people~with~moderate~disability~multiple~
sclerosis~.