Blood Flow Restriction Training in Multiple Sclerosis

(Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Gait Performance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients).

Traditional physical therapy resisted training for people with MS have been shown to be beneficial; however, their usefulness has been limited by fatigue. The effect of blood flow restriction on strength and other measures of physical function was demonstrated in healthy populations and those with chronic disease. This study may add missing information to the existing literature and suggests directions for research on the effectiveness of BFR training on individuals with relapsing and remitting MS.

Multiple sclerosis patients are characterized by impaired functional capacity which is related to reduce muscle strength affecting predominantly the lower extremity.

Resistance training (RT) has proven to be one of the interventions in MS patients showing a consistent and positive effect on muscle strength and on parameters directly related to lower extremity physical function (eg, walking performance and stair negotiation).

Training with blood flow restriction (BFR), is an increasingly common clinical intervention among physical therapists over the past decade and consistent with the evidence. It has been investigated in people with neurological disorders including stroke and incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries. Research is limited on the use of BFR for individuals with MS.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients were diagnosed with MS by a neurologist according to McDonald's criteria 2010
2. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 .
3. Patient able to walk 100 meters or more.
4. No change within MS specific medication three months from the study.
5. Last Ms Attack from more than two months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Multiple sclerosis patients with other neurological or orthopedic problems.

2. Multiple sclerosis patients with systemic problems (cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases…).

3. Patients with cognitive impairment.

4. Pregnant female patients.

5. Patients in acute relapse stage.

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