1. Positive Impact of Regular Circuit Training on Muscle Strength, Stability, Depression and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Sucha L, Kalincik T, Novotna K, Hoskovcova M, Havrdova D
Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Charles University in Prague, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
Background
Results
Positive effect of aerobic or resistance training has been described in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), however only a few papers were dedicated to the use of circuit training in patients with MS.
Aim of this study was to compare response of MS patients with mild to moderate disability to the circuit training with resistance activities and the response to the circuit training with aerobic plus resistance exercises. 
We hypothesed than combined aerobic+ resistance training would be more efficient than resistance training alone.
Fifty MS people with MS participated in our study. There were 7 men and 43 women, median age 43 years (range 23-68), median EDSS 3,5 (range 1,5-6), median disease duration 13,5 years (range 1-38 years). Four patients did not complete the study (2 from each group) for noncompliance or unrelated injuries.
To investigate relationship between AER and RES circuit training we have performed mixed models analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), EDSS and disease duration.
We have shown significant effect of both types of regular circuit training on strength of knee flexors (p=0,013), strength of knee extensors (p=0,014), standing stability in SOT test (p=0, ), reduction of fatigue (p=0,052), reduction of depression (p=0,011).
Methods
Conclusion
Fifty MS patients were randomly allocated to exercise groups: 24 participated in aerobic-resistance circuit training and 26 had resistance circuit training. Both type of training in duration 1 hour with (5 minutes warm up, 45 minutes of circuit training,10 minut of stretching), frequency of 2 times a week for 12 weeks.
Aerobic training included cycling, rowing, traedmill walking, training on eliptical. Training intensity was measured by heart rate frequency (all participants underwent spiroergometry assessment) or by using subjective Borg scale.
Resistance training included leg press, strenghtening of hip extensor and hip abductor muscles, training of back and abdomen muscles, uprising on step.
Participants were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the training program.
Physical assessment include:
muscle strength of lower limbs-knee flexors and extensors measured with dynamometer,
balance assessment with Balance Master (sensory organization test-SOT),
walking tests-timed 25 foot walk test, 4 minute walk test, Timed up and go test.
Psychological assessment include:
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS),
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI),
The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36),
Both types of circuit training (AER and RES) on regular basis had significant effect on physical parameters (muscle strength of lower limbs and stability during stance) as well as on psychological parameters (fatigue perception and depression). Both types of circuit training activities were well tolerated by MS patients, regardless of age or disability level. There was no significant difference in outcomes of the two regiments.
Acknowledgements:
Supported by the grant PRVOUK P26/LF1/4 , supported by IMPULS foundation