Walking performance differs between people with multiple sclerosis who perform distinct types of exercise
Creators: name: Johnson, Kristin A
name: Bandera, Victoria M
name: Diehl, Manfred
name: Leach, Heather J
name: Fling, Brett W
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Space Science
subject: Medicine
subject: Physiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy

description: <b>Aim:</b> To determine whether walking performance differed between people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who performed distinct types, volumes and intensities of exercise. <b>Materials &amp; methods:</b> Forty-five people with relapsing-remitting MS performed two trials of the 2-min walk test, one at a preferred speed and another at a fast speed. Gait metrics were measured by wireless inertial sensors. Participants reported the type (aerobic, resistance), volume and intensity of exercise performed. <b>Results:</b> Walking speed reserve and gait variability were better in participants who performed combined aerobic and resistance exercises compared with those who performed aerobic-only exercise. <b>Conclusion:</b> Walking performance differs in people with mild MS disability based on the type and volume of exercise performed. Exercise improves many symptoms in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the best type, intensity and amount of exercise to improve walking in people living with MS are not clear. This study aimed to determine whether walking performance differed in people with MS who performed different types and amounts of exercise. A total of 45 people with relapsing-remitting MS participated in this study. The participants reported the average amount, intensity and types (aerobic, resistance) of exercise performed on a weekly basis. The participants also performed two walking tests, one at their normal walking speed and the other at their fastest walking speed. The results showed that participants who performed both aerobic and resistance types of exercise were more stable and were able to increase their walking speed more than participants who only performed aerobic types of exercise. Regardless of exercise type, participants who performed at least 150 min of exercise per week were more stable when walking at a fast speed compared with participants who performed less than 150 min of exercise per week. These findings underscore the importance for people living with MS to perform aerobic and resistance types of exercise for at least 150 min per week to help maintain walking performance. Over 70% of participants met or exceeded the recommended weekly volume of exercise (≥150 min/week). Over 90% of participants exercised at the recommended moderate to vigorous intensity level (≥11 Rating of perceived exertion). Gait speed, stride length and cadence were similar between people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who performed different types of exercise. However, the capacity to increase gait speed (walking speed reserve) was greater in people with MS who performed aerobic and resistance types of exercise compared with people with MS who performed aerobic-only types of exercise. Compared with people with MS who performed aerobic-only types of exercise, people with MS who performed aerobic and resistance types of exercise demonstrated:○ Less variability in stride length when walking at a preferred speed.○ Less variability in cadence and gait speed when walking at a fast speed. Less variability in stride length when walking at a preferred speed. Less variability in cadence and gait speed when walking at a fast speed. During fast walking, gait variability was lower in people with MS who met the recommended volume of exercise (150 min/week) compared with those who did not meet this recommendation. Volume and intensity of exercise were not associated with any gait metric.