High Intensity Interval Gait Training in Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

Over 90% of persons with MS (pwMS) complain of difficulty with walking. High intensity interval gait training (HIIGT), where persons alternate brief periods of walking at high speeds with periods of rest has been found to improve walking in other neurologic diagnoses. However its impact on pwMS is not known. Most gait training in MS is done continuously at a slower pace. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of HIIGT to traditional Moderate Intensity Continuous Gait Training (MICGT) in pwMS.

Purpose: To determine whether pwMS will have greater improvements in gait with HIIGT as compared to MICGT. Primary Question: Does HIIGT results in greater improvements in gait parameters in pwMS than MICGT? Secondary question: Will HIIGT result in greater improvements in balance, lower extremity strength, lower extremity range of motion and HR when compared to MICGT in pwMS? Hypothesis: HIIGT will result in greater improvements in gait parameters in pwMS than MICGT. Justification: Previous research has shown that MICGT, moderate intensity interval training and high intensity non-gait interval training is effective in pwMS. HIIGT has been shown to be effective in persons with stroke but the effects of HIIGT on pwMS are not known. Outcomes and dissemination of information: We will present our findings at national conferences and submit manuscripts of our findings to the appropriate peer reviewed journal.

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Outcomes

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