The Effects of Trunk Stabilization and Aerobic Trainings in Multiple Sclerosis

Combined exercise group (CEG) performed 30 minutes of aerobic training and also received trunk stabilization training in about 30 minutes after a 10-minute resting period. CEG received treatment 2 times a week for 8 weeks. During trunk stabilization training, the participants were taught how to contract the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles. Due to the progression protocol, endurance levels of trunk muscles were increased by holding each posture for longer periods. The training was started with theraband resistance, which could be repeated between 10-12 repetitions, and the repetition time was increased up to 20. Aerobic training (AT) was given using a treadmill. A heart rate monitor (Polar V800™, Finland) was used by each patient to follow heart rates during the AT. During AT, the target heart rate was calculated as 60-80% of maximum heart rates (MHR). Each exercise session consisted of a 5-minutes warm-up, 20 minutes of walking, and 5 minutes cool down on the treadmill.

Control group (CG) performed 30 minutes of aerobic training.CG received treatment 2 times a week for 8 weeks. Aerobic training (AT) was given using a treadmill. A heart rate monitor (Polar V800™, Finland) was used by each patient to follow their heart rates during the AT. During AT, the target heart rate was calculated as 60-80% of maximum heart rates (MHR). Each exercise session consisted of a 5-minutes warm-up, 20 minutes of walking, and 5 minutes cool down on the treadmill.