The Effect of Eight-Week Concurrent Aerobic-Resistance Training on Aerobic Power and Functional Capacity on Young Female Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objective: According to physical disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), little data about concurrent training effectiveness with therapeutically aid approach, this study was designed to investigate the effect of concurrent aerobic-resistance training for eight-weeks on aerobic power and functional capacity in young female patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Materials and Methods: 47 female patients with MS were randomly assigned to an experimental group (27 subjects; 28.74 ± 3.07 yrs.; BMI of 31.9 ± 4.32 kg/m2; degree of disability (1-4) and a control group (20 subjects; 28.20 ± 4.11 yrs.; BMI of 30.43 ± 4.57 kg/m2; degree of disability (1-4). The subjects were assessed in the pre-test and post-test using 10- and 500-m walking speed, balance, fatigue, and aerobic power tests. In addition to taking the prescribed medications, the experimental group participated in an 8-week concurrent training program (3 sessions per week including 10 min warm-up, 15 min aerobic exercise at 60-75% maximum heart rate, 25 min weight training exercises at 10-repetition maximum (10RM) and 5 min cool-down). The control group only took the prescribed medications. To analyze the collected data, T-tests for dependent and independent samples were used. Results: The results indicated significant improvement in fatigue, balance, and walking speed of the experimental group (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes in their aerobic power. Conclusion: The results suggest that concurrent training exercises such as aerobic-resistance program can improve walking speed, balance, and fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, such training exercises are recommended for movement and functional status of these patients.