Go with the Flow? Considerations for Blood Flow Restriction Training in People with Neurologic Conditions.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) with low intensity resistance or aerobic exercise can improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity, respectively. Furthermore, low intensity BFRT with resistance or aerobic exercise can be as effective as training at higher intensities without BFR in healthy adult populations. The clinical use of BFRT is therefore becoming increasingly common, particularly in otherwise healthy adults recovering from musculoskeletal injury or orthopedic surgery, for whom training at high intensities is not indicated.

Feasibility of Low-Load Resistance Training Using Blood Flow Restriction for People With Advanced Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) for people with advanced disability due to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 14 participants with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score = 6.0 to 7.

Effect of Backward and Forward Walking on Lower Limb Strength, Balance, and Gait in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Feasibility Trial.

Background: Backward walking (BW) interventions have improved gait and balance in persons with stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson disease but have not been studied in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined the feasibility of a BW intervention and how it affected strength, balance, and gait vs forward walking (FW) in persons with MS.

Methods: Sixteen persons with MS with a Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale score of 3 to 5 (gait impairment-late cane) were randomized to the FW (n = 8) or BW (n = 8) group.

Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale for Measuring Mobility-Related Goals in People With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background And Purpose: This study's purpose was to investigate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) for measuring mobility-related goals in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Data from 32 participants with MS who underwent 8 to 10 weeks of rehabilitation were analyzed (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 1.0-7.

Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Walking Impairment: An Exploratory Comparison of the Effects of Assistive Devices on Psychosocial Impact and Walking.

Background: Walking dysfunction is reported by two-thirds of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Assistive devices are frequently recommended to improve walking; however, it is uncommon to consider their psychosocial impact, although many users abandon their assistive devices. The psychosocial impact, walking, balance, and fatigue associated with three assistive devices were compared to guide clinical decision making.

Blood-Flow Restriction Training for a Person With Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report.

Objective: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, in which an inflatable cuff partially occludes blood flow around the proximal portion of a limb, coupled with low-intensity resistance training (LIRT) has resulted in gains comparable with traditional progressive resistive exercise in healthy populations. The use of BFR with LIRT may enable people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to improve strength without an increase in fatigue. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a BFR/LIRT program for a person with MS.

Feasibility and Impact of an 8-Week Integrative Yoga Program in People with Moderate Multiple Sclerosis-Related Disability: A Pilot Study.

Background: This pilot study determined the feasibility of a specifically designed 8-week yoga program for people with moderate multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability. We explored the program's effect on quality of life (QOL) and physical and mental performance.

Methods: We used a single-group design with repeated measurements at baseline, postintervention, and 8-week follow-up.

The Effect of Maximal Strength Training on Strength, Walking, and Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

There is little literature examining the use of maximal strength training (MST) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This pretest-posttest study examined the effects of a MST program on strength, walking, balance, and fatigue in a sample of pwMS. Seven pwMS (median EDSS 3.

Selecting Rehabilitation Outcome Measures for People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Despite the well-known benefits of using standardized outcome measures (OMs) in clinical practice, a variety of barriers interfere with their use. In particular, rehabilitation therapists lack sufficient knowledge in selecting appropriate OMs. The challenge is compounded when working with people with multiple sclerosis (MS) owing to heterogeneity of the patient population and symptom variability in individual patients.

Effects of Intermittent Versus Continuous Walking on Distance Walked and Fatigue in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background And Purpose: Fatigue is a common, disabling symptom experienced by persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Evidence shows that intermittent exercise is associated in improved performance and negligible fatigue. The purpose of this study was to examine whether subjects with MS walk greater distances with less fatigue under intermittent (INT) or continuous (CONT) walking condition.