Resistance training improves hormonal related fatigue and physical fitness in female patients with multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Fatigue occurs in the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS – related fatigue is strongly linked to impaired physical activity. Exercise may have beneficial effects on both fatigue and physical performance in MS patients however it is not well known. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks resistance training (RT) on fatigue levels, hormonal related fatigue and physical fitness in female patients with MS. Material & Methods: Twenty seven female with MS disease in a range of 18-48 year of old and EDSS lower than 4.5 participated in this study as the subject. Subjects were divided into control group (n=13) or training group (n=14) randomly. The training group performed progressive RT program, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that fatigue levels decreased and right leg balance (RLB), left leg balance (LLB) and muscular endurance improved after 8 weeks RT compare to the control group (P<0.05). For serum levels of dehydroepiandrestrone sulfate (DHEA-S) no significant differences were observed after the intervention. Conclusions: The results suggest RT with specific intensity and duration utilized in this study improves decrease fatigue levels and improved physical fitness in female patients with MS.