Improvements in muscle-tendon properties are beneficial to balance in multiple sclerosis

Onambélé-Pearson, Gladys and Degens, Hans (2006) Improvements in muscle-tendon properties are beneficial to balance in multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis: clinical and laboratory research, 12 (5). pp. 666-9. ISSN 1352-4585

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Abstract

A 63-year-old male was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) two years prior to this investigation. We hypothesized that compromised postural balance in MS can be improved by training-induced alterations in muscle-tendon properties. Sixteen weeks of strength and balance training induced an increase in quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscle size, strength, central activation, muscle recruitment and tendon stiffness. Concomitantly, the ability to maintain postural stances was increased in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. We concluded that improvements in muscle-tendon properties were accompanied by improved balance and a general feeling of well-being after training.