Effect of Neuromuscular Exercises on Strength, Proprioceptive Receptors, and Balance in Females with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the third most common cause of adult neurologic disabilities. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of neuromuscular exercises on strength, proprioceptive receptors, and balance of women with MS. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial study, 20 female volunteers with relapsing-remitting MS were randomly assigned into the experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Maximum muscular strength of knee extensor and flexor muscles, knee joint proprioceptive error (Biodex), and balance (Berg Balance Scale) was measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of neuromuscular exercise. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. RESULTS: The results showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, proprioceptive receptor error, and the balance in the experimental group, but not in the control group. A significant difference was evident between the experimental and control groups in terms of strength, balance, and proprioceptive receptor error (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular exercise training is effective in improving balance, strength, and reducing the proprioceptive error in people with MS, and it could be recommended as modalities for these patients.