Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system associated with a variety of symptoms and functional deficits. Balance impairment is a common concern in patients with MS. Core muscle stabilization is considered a main component of balance. The strength and endurance of core muscles have not been compared between patients with MS and healthy people. The objective of this study was to compare core muscle strength and endurance between ambulatory patients with MS and a healthy group. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with MS with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranging from 1.0 to 4.5 and 33 matched healthy people participated in this cross-sectional group comparison study. The primary outcome measure was endurance of core muscles assessed by functional endurance tests, and the secondary outcome was isometric strength of core muscles assessed using a dynamometer. RESULTS: Patients with MS had lower performance on endurance tests (P < .001) and strength tests (P < .05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results show decreased core muscle strength and endurance in ambulatory individuals with MS compared with a matched control group. Future studies are required to assess how core muscle impairment affects balance and how it would be affected by rehabilitation and exercise programs.