Effects of Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, strength and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study


Bayraktar D., Guclu-Gunduz A., YAZICI G., Lambeck J., BATUR ÇAĞLAYAN H. Z., Irkec C., ...More

NeuroRehabilitation, vol.33, no.3, pp.431-437, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.3233/nre-130974
  • Journal Name: NeuroRehabilitation
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.431-437
  • Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, aquatic therapy, Ai-Chi, balance, EXERCISE, INDIVIDUALS, ENDURANCE, PROGRAM, SCALE
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients are often referred to aquatic physical therapy, but unfortunately, researches on the effects of aquatic therapy in MS patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, strength and fatigue in ambulatory patients with MS. METHODS: Twenty-three ambulatory female patients were divided into two groups as experimental (n = 15) or control (n = 8) for an 8-week treatment program. The experimental group underwent Ai-Chi exercises in a swimming pool and the control group performed active arm and leg exercises combined with abdominal breathing exercises at home. Static standing balance was measured with duration of one-leg stance, functional mobility was evaluated with Timed-up and Go test and 6 minute walk test, upper and lower muscle strength was assessed with hand-held dynamometer and fatigue was evaluated with Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: Improvements were observed in static standing balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in the Ai-Chi group (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in any outcome measures were observed in the control group (p > 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings Ai-Chi may improve balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in patients with MS. © 2013 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.