Effects of fast‐velocity concentric resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a fast‐velocity concentric resistance training (FVCRT) program on maximum strength of upper and lower limb, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self‐perception, and catastrophizing pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG] (n = 18) or a control [CG] (n = 12) group. The EG carried out 10‐weeks of lower limb FVCRT. The CG did not perform any intervention. The maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) during knee extension, hand‐grip strength, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self‐perception, and catastrophizing pain were measured. RESULTS: Inter‐group differences after intervention were found on the right and left sides in MVIC (p = .032; ES = ‐0.7 and p = .009; ES = ‐0.9), and hand grip strength (p = .003; ES = ‐1.0 and p = .029; ES = ‐0.7). After FVCRT, there was in increase in MVIC (p < .001; ES = ‐1.7 and p < .001; ES = ‐1.3) and hand grip strength (p < .001; ES = ‐1.3 and p < .001; ES = ‐1.3) on both right and left sides, respectively. In addition, gait speed (p = .023; ES = 1.3), walking endurance (p < .001; ES = ‐1.0), symptomatic fatigue (p = .004; ES = 0.6), and catastrophizing pain (p < .001; ES = 1.0) improved in EG. CONCLUSION: Lower limb FVCRT improved the upper and lower limb strength, walking, symptomatic fatigue, and catastrophizing pain in MS participants.