Outcomes after functional electrical stimulation cycle training in individuals with multiple sclerosis who are nonambulatory: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Exercise is safe and beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling offers people with significant weakness and mobility challenges an option for exercise. We sought to evaluate the safety of FES cycling and its potential to improve fatigue, pain, spasticity, and quality of life in people with moderate-to-severe MS. Methods: Sixteen participants with MS who were nonambulatory cycled for 30 minutes two to three times a week for 1 month. Outcomes assessed included MS Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI) subscales, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and manual muscle test (MMT). Results: Fourteen participants (six women and eight men) with MS completed the training. All were able to maintain or increase their cycle time; half increased the resistance while cycling. Participants demonstrated a significant decrease in the Physical (P = .02) and Psychosocial (P < .01) subscales of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. There was no significant change in the other MSQLI subscale scores. There was no change in MAS and MMT scores. Type of MS and the use of antispasticity medications, disease-modifying therapies, or dalfampridine did not seem to influence response to training. There were no adverse events. Conclusions: Functional electrical stimulation cycling may be a viable and effective exercise option for people with moderate-to-severe MS. Further study is required to examine the parameters of FES cycling that are most effective for people with different MS symptoms and to fully explore the potential benefits of optimizing function and improving health in people with MS.