Nicola Lamberti1, Sofia Straudi2, Maria Donadi2, Hirofumi Tanaka3, Nino Basaglia2, Fabio Manfredini1,2. 1. Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. 2. Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy. 3. Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We tested the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) compared with conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) at improving gait speed and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities. METHODS:24 patients (58 ± 5 years; 7 males) with progressive MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 5.5 - 6.5) were randomized to receive 12 rehabilitation sessions over 6 weeks. The BFR-W group (n = 12) performed interval walking (speed paced by a metronome that increased weekly) with BFR bands at the thighs. The CON-W group (n = 12) received physiotherapist-assisted overground walking therapy. The primary outcome was gait speed, measured by the timed 25-foot walk test. Secondary outcomes included walking endurance, balance, strength, fatigue, and quality of life. The measurements were collected at baseline, at the end of training, and a 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups did not present any baseline difference. BFR-W group safely walked without limitations due to sleeve compression, with lower increase in perceived exertion (RPE) (P < .001) and heart rate (P = .031) compared with the CON-W. Gait speed improved significantly in both groups (BFR-W + 13%; CON-W + 5%) with greater increases in the BFR-W group at end of the training (P = .001) and at the follow-up (P = .041). Most of the secondary outcomes significantly improved in the two groups, without between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS:Slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs was superior to overground walking in improving gait speed in patients with MS with a lower training load and a more durable clinical benefit.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: We tested the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of blood flow restriction-empowered low-intensity interval walking exercise (BFR-W) compared with conventional intensive overground walking (CON-W) at improving gait speed and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities. METHODS: 24 patients (58 ± 5 years; 7 males) with progressive MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 5.5 - 6.5) were randomized to receive 12 rehabilitation sessions over 6 weeks. The BFR-W group (n = 12) performed interval walking (speed paced by a metronome that increased weekly) with BFR bands at the thighs. The CON-W group (n = 12) received physiotherapist-assisted overground walking therapy. The primary outcome was gait speed, measured by the timed 25-foot walk test. Secondary outcomes included walking endurance, balance, strength, fatigue, and quality of life. The measurements were collected at baseline, at the end of training, and a 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups did not present any baseline difference. BFR-W group safely walked without limitations due to sleeve compression, with lower increase in perceived exertion (RPE) (P < .001) and heart rate (P = .031) compared with the CON-W. Gait speed improved significantly in both groups (BFR-W + 13%; CON-W + 5%) with greater increases in the BFR-W group at end of the training (P = .001) and at the follow-up (P = .041). Most of the secondary outcomes significantly improved in the two groups, without between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Slow interval walking with moderate BFR to the lower limbs was superior to overground walking in improving gait speed in patients with MS with a lower training load and a more durable clinical benefit.
Authors: Tianyu Wang; Philip R Stanforth; R Y Declan Fleming; J Stuart Wolf; Dixie Stanforth; Hirofumi Tanaka Journal: JMIR Perioper Med Date: 2021-12-30
Authors: Álvaro Jesús Reina-Ruiz; Alejandro Galán-Mercant; Guadalupe Molina-Torres; Jose Antonio Merchán-Baeza; Rita Pilar Romero-Galisteo; Manuel González-Sánchez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-20 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Nicola Lamberti; Giovanni Piva; Federico Businaro; Lorenzo Caruso; Anna Crepaldi; Pablo Jesùs Lòpez-Soto; Fabio Manfredini Journal: J Pers Med Date: 2022-03-04