Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that predominantly affects women and is associated with reduced muscular strength, increased fatigue, and impaired quality of life. Resistance training has been proposed as a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention; however, evidence focusing specifically on women with MS remains limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance training on quality of life, muscular strength, fatigue, and body mass index in women with MS.
Methods:
This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Thirty women with MS were randomly assigned to a resistance training group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The experimental group performed supervised resistance training three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group continued their usual activities. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Paired and independent samples t-tests were applied for data analysis.
Results:
The resistance training group showed significant improvements in quality of life (p=0.001) and muscular strength (p<0.001), along with a significant reduction in fatigue (p=0.002). No significant change was observed in body mass index (p=0.42). No significant changes were found in the control group (p>0.05). Between-group comparisons at posttest favored the resistance training group for quality of life (p=0.008), muscular strength (p=0.004), and fatigue (p=0.006(.
Conclusion:
Eight weeks of resistance training significantly improved quality of life and muscular strength and reduced fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis, supporting its inclusion in rehabilitation programs.