Effect of 8 Weeks of Neuromuscular Training on Motor Function, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system that can affect the basic sensory and motor systems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of neuromuscular training on motor function, fatigue severity, and quality of life in women with Multiple Sclerosis in Isfahan City. In this quasi-experimental study, women aged 20-40 years with Multiple Sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale between 2-4 formed the study population, and 20 patients were selected using a simple random sampling method and were randomly divided into experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Initially, both groups participated in a timed up-and-go test and completed questionnaires on the fatigue severity scale and quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis. The subjects in the experimental group performed an eight-week training program of neuromuscular that included three sessions per week and each session lasted 50 minutes. After eight weeks, the subjects in the two groups were reevaluated through previous tests. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at the error level of (P<0.05). The results showed that post-tests of motor function, fatigue severity, and quality of life were significantly different between the experimental and control groups of women with multiple sclerosis (P=0.001). Considering the beneficial effects of eight weeks of neuromuscular training, it is recommended that this training be used to better perform daily activities of life, reduce the severity of fatigue, and increase the quality of life and well-being of women 20-40 years old with moderate multiple sclerosis.