The effect of trunk stabilization training combined with aerobic training on neuromuscular parameters and functional exercise capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis

This study was planned to examine the effects of trunk stabilization training combined with aerobic training on balance, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance, core stability and functional exercise capacity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Twenty individuals diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS (RR-MS) were included in the study. RR-MS patients were divided into two groups (MS-exercise group and MS-control group) using the minimization method of covariate-adaptive randomization. Trunk stabilization training combined with aerobic training was given to the MS-exercise group (8 women, 2 men), and aerobic training was given to the MS-control group (7 women, 3 men) 2 days a week for a total of 8 weeks. Balance with Biodex Balance System SD™, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance with Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer, core stability with McGill core endurance tests, functional exercise capacity with six-minute walk test were assessed. At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement in postural stability and stability limit, which are subparameters of balance, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance, core stability and functional exercise capacity in the MS-exercise group (p<0.05). There was no significant change in stability limit and core stability (p>0.05) while postural stability, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance, and functional exercise capacity significantly increased significantly in MS-control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, trunk stabilization training combined with aerobic training applied 2 days per week for 8 weeks in patients with RR-MS is effective on balance, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance, core stability and functional exercise capacity. In line with this conclusion that trunk stabilization training combined with aerobic training that takes part in the rehabilitation program has beneficial effect on balance, lower extremity muscle strength and endurance, core stability and functional exercise capacity.