The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 2007/08, 107(8):332-333. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2007.107.8.327, type of study: ,ct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2007.107.8.327/html)

Keywords:

clinical trial [674]
exercise [124]
female [655]
multiple sclerosis [20]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
women [608]

Abstract:

Benefits gained through most exercise programs typically diminish shortly after discontinuing the program. This study investigates the effect over time of discontinuing a uniquely structured machine-assisted exercise and manual medicine protocol that previously demonstrated short-term benefits (JAOA, May 2002). The exercise previously used employed isometric and eccentric vertical leg presses as well as isometric semi-erect whole body lunges. Each exercise had been performed for an average of 6 seconds duration with Valsalva and 3-5 repetitions of each exercise was performed on specialized equipment (IsoPUMP®, Neuromuscular Technologies). OMT had been integrated to reduce coexisting somatic dysfunction each session and to help prepare the subject for exercise. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that previously reported improvement in strength, endurance, fatigue, coordination, and ambulation in females with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as a result of a twelve-week physical intervention protocol combining machine-assisted MEE and OMT would be maintained for at least nine months after discontinuing the protocol. Materials and Methods: Strength (isometric lunge, isometric and eccentric leg press), ambulatory ability (Timed 25-foot Walk) and coordination (Block-and-Box Test, BBT) were measured at 3 and 6 months post-intervention (n=7) and at 9 months (n=6). Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to determine whether outcomes previously reported as a consequence of the MEE/OMT protocol were maintained after discontinuing the treatment. This study was approved by the KCOM Institutional Review Board where all data had been gathered. Results: Significant increases in strength during isometric lunge (P<0.001) and BBT (P<0.001) as well as reductions in Timed 25-foot Walk (P=0.007) due to the MEE/OMT protocol were maintained at 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up. Gains in strength during isometric leg press were lower at six months than immediately post-intervention, but still retained significance above baseline at all three follow-up times (P<0.001). Conclusion: Prolonged positive effects, including increased strength, ambulatory ability, and coordination, results from a combined MEE/OMT protocol in women with mild-moderate MS impairment. Measurable benefits in walking and strength still existed nine months after discontinuing the twelve-week protocol.