Low Load Resistance Training Using Blood Flow Restriction for People With Multiple Sclerosis

The Primary Aim of this research study is to determine the feasibility of 8 weeks of physical therapy strengthening exercises using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate-to-severe walking problems. BFR training involves placing a cuff on the leg being exercised in order to restrict blood flow. The cuff is attached to a specialized device that automatically detects the appropriate amount of pressure to place on the limb. Testing will occur before and after the 8-week treatment period. Specific Aim 1: Determine the feasibility of BFR by assessing recruitment rate, retention, adherence, satisfaction, and safety. Hypothesis: Feasibility will be demonstrated by: 1) enrolling 20 participants in 8 months, 2) retaining at least 16 (80%) participants, 3) 80% adherence to intervention, 4) 90% satisfaction with intervention, and 5) no serious adverse events related to the intervention. Specific Aim 2: Determine changes in knee and hip extension, hip abduction, and ankle plantarflexion muscle strength after the 8-week intervention. Hypothesis: Following intervention there will be clinically important within-group strength changes that correspond to established minimal detectable change values and which can be characterized as having at least a moderate effect size as defined by Cohen's d. Exploratory Aim: Explore changes in functional mobility (30-Second Sit-to-Stand, Berg Balance Scale, Timed 25-Foot Walk. 10-day average activity level) and self-report measures (12-Item MS Walking Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, MS Impact Scale-29, and Patient-Specific Functional Scale) after the 8-week intervention.