Pilot randomized trial of progressive resistance exercise augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation for people with multiple sclerosis who use walking aids.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a home progressive resistance training (PRT) program augmented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled pilot trial.

SETTING

Participant homes.

PARTICIPANTS

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) (N=37) who use a walking aid.

INTERVENTIONS: A 12-week home PRT program or the same program augmented by NMES.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Strength using hand-held dynamometry; repeated sit to stand test; Berg Balance Scale; timed Up & Go test; 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale; Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, version 2; and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The NMES group also completed a device usability questionnaire.

RESULTS

Only change in MFIS score was significantly greater in the NMES group than the PRT group (P=.012). The NMES group improved significantly in quadriceps endurance (median of change, 8.5; P=.043), balance (median of change, 3.5; P=.001), physical impact of MS (median of change, -8.3; P=.001), and impact of fatigue (median of change, -17; P=.001). Participants rated the device as highly usable.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study suggests that a home PRT program with NMES is feasible, and the neuromuscular electrical stimulation device is usable by this population. Only reduction in impact of fatigue was greater in the NMES than the PRT group.