Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction on Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The Chronic Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction or Standard of Care Resistance Exercise on Muscle and Neuromuscular Function in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

This research is being done to compare the current standard of care for strength training for patients with Multiple Sclerosis to lightweight resistance training with blood flow restriction.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the current Multiple Sclerosis standard of care exercise recommendations to low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction on functional outcomes, strength, muscle size, and neuromuscular control in Multiple Sclerosis patients. This study involves completing 2 training sessions per week for 12 weeks as well as pre- and post-training assessment visits for a total of 29 visits over 14 weeks. All visits will be on UCF's campus with a member of the research team.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females between the ages of 18 to 55
• Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
• Expanded Disability Status Score of 0 to 6.5
• Able to walk 10 meters without assistance
• Are willing to come in for all 29 testing visits over 14 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• No other known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, muscular, and/or coronary heart disease
• Multiple Sclerosis relapse in the past 30 days
• Are not currently undergoing a rehabilitation protocol
• Are not currently seeking medical care for a chronic condition that could limit exercise capacity other than multiple sclerosis
• Are not currently pregnant