Cycling Progressive Resistance Training for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Specific exercise programs, including cycling progressive resistance training, may improve balance, fatigue, and depression and reduce fear of falling in patients with multiple sclerosis without worsening multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms.

The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study

“…These findings link to other studies 23,[26][27][28] involving combined exercise interventions. Cakt et al 28 , found a significant improvement in fatigue scores following two months of resisted cycling and balance exercises in people with MS. With similar significant improvements in FSS results also being found by others 27 .…”

“…They found improvements in strength, fatigue and balance in both groups of subjects. Cakt et al 28 reported, from a randomised controlled trial, that two months of resisted cycling exercises followed by balance exercises twice weekly for around 60 minutes improved many assessed outcomes including participants" mobility, physical function and fatigue levels. Thus combined exercise programmes appear to offer an effective training option for those moderately affected with MS.…”

“…Few studies have investigated combined exercise specifically with subjects who are moderately affected with MS 23,27,28 . Freeman and Allison 23 reported that ten weeks of weekly sessions, comprising 30 minutes of general standing exercises, and 30 minutes of floor-based stretching exercises, increased balance, mobility and improved fatigue in their subjects.…”

“…Some studies have investigated combined exercise which includes aerobic, resistance and/or balance components in each session [23][24][25][26][27][28] . In addition the optimum length of the intervention has yet to be clarified, as previous studies have evaluated interventions varying in length from three weeks to over three months.…”

Aerobic Exercise in People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…Recently, studies have demonstrated primary exercise benefits of improved balance and increased walking capacity, with secondary benefits of reduced fatigue, enhanced mood, improved QOL, and decreased perceived disability immediately following an 8-week strength-training program 3 and an aerobic exercise intervention. 4,5 Despite the demonstrated benefits, attrition in exercise intervention studies is a concern, ranging from just over 18% 6 to 42%.…”