Locomotor training using body weight support on a treadmill improves mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Abstract

RATIONALE: The purpose of this protocol was to investigate the potential benefits and tolerability of locomotor training using body weight support on a treadmill (LTBWST) in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Four persons with primarily spinal cord MS and severely impaired ambulation (Expanded Disability Status Scale score 7.0-7.5) were enrolled in LTBWST. Subjects completed an average of 40 training sessions over several months. RESULTS: Subjects showed improvement in muscle strength, spasticity, endurance, balance, walking speed, and quality of life at the end of the training sessions, and could tolerate training without fatigue or other adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: LTBWST is well tolerated by persons with MS and may produce improvements in parameters related to functional mobility.