The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Muscular and Motor Performance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects both physical and psychological functioning. Considering the effective role of physical activity in alleviating the symptoms of this disease, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular training on muscular and motor performance in patients with MS. Material & Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test–post-test design was conducted on 30 women with MS (mean age: 36.2 ± 5.8 years; BMI: 22. 1 ± 4.2 kg/m²), who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in an 8-week neuromuscular training program, three sessions per week, while the control group continued their usual daily activities. Outcome measures included fatigue level, static and dynamic balance, lower-limb strength and endurance, walking speed, and overall disability (EDSS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with paired t-tests and ANCOVA. Results: The findings indicated that neuromuscular training significantly improved static and dynamic balance, walking speed, and lower-limb strength and endurance compared to the control group (P = 0.001), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Additionally, neuromuscular training led to a significant reduction in fatigue and EDSS scores compared to the control group (P = 0.001), with no significant changes in the control group. Conclusion: Neuromuscular training can enhance lower-limb muscular performance, balance, and motor abilities in MS patients, while reducing fatigue and improving functional independence and quality of life. These results highlight the importance of incorporating neuromuscular training into rehabilitation programs for MS patients.