Presenter(s)

Michele L. Baeder

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Description

Physical activity may be utilized to reduce and prevent the secondary effects of multiple sclerosis. Kickboxing training is a non-traditional high intensity exercise which focuses on increasing balance, strength, and mobility. The objective of the case series is to examine the feasibility and effect of a 5-week kickboxing training program on the balance and gait of three individuals with MS. Five individuals with multiple sclerosis participated in the 5-week kickboxing study. Three participants completed all phases of testing and training. The program consisted of three training sessions per week, resulting in 15 total sessions. Outcome measures were tested on three separate occasions; baseline, pre-training, and post-training. Outcome measures included the Mini BESTest, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking speed, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and MS Quality of Life Survey (MSQOL). The only consistent improvement found was in balance confidence, as measured by the ABC scale. There was no improvement found in the balance measures, gait speed and health related quality of life. A kickboxing training program is feasible and safe for persons with multiple sclerosis. Further research may be needed with an increase in the number of participants and in the duration of the program may produce greater improvement of the outcome measures.

Publication Date

4-18-2012

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Kurt J. Jackson

Primary Advisor's Department

Health and Sports Science - Physical Therapy Doctoral Program

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

The Feasibility and Effect of a Kickboxing Training Program on the Balance, Gait, and Overall Quality of Life of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series

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