چكيده لاتين
Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the central nervous system that leads to physical disability, cognitive impairment, and reduced quality of life. Many people with MS experience gait impairment and loss of postural control, which can make it difficult for these people to perform daily activities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of hydrotherapy and land-based exercise therapy with the NASM approach on muscle strength, proprioception, balance, flexibility, and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis.
Research Method: In this semi-experimental and applied study with a pre-test-post-test design, 30 patients with MS who were members of the MS Association located in Isfahan participated in this study and were randomly and equally divided into two experimental groups. The subjects in the two groups performed hydrotherapy and NASM exercises for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week and each session lasted 60 minutes. Before and after eight weeks, muscle strength and proprioception (Isokinetic Biodex), static balance (standing on one leg), dynamic balance (Y test), flexibility (Sit and Reach test), and quality of life (SF36 questionnaire) were measured.
Findings: The results of this study were that water therapy exercises and land exercises with the NASM approach improved muscle strength, proprioception, balance, flexibility, and quality of life in women with MS. However, water therapy exercises had a better effect on these individuals and these exercises can be considered as a low-risk exercise method for patients.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that both types of exercise, namely aquatic therapy and land exercises with the NASM approach, produce improvements in muscle strength, proprioception, balance, flexibility, and quality of life. However, aquatic therapy exercises generally had more positive effects than land exercises in improving these indicators. Therefore, it is suggested that aquatic therapy exercises be considered as a treatment option in the rehabilitation of patients with MS.