Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 16, Issue 1 , Pages 7-13, January 2012

Feasibility and effects of a group kickboxing program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot report

  • Kurt Jackson, PT, Ph.D., GCS (Assistant Professor, Neurology Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 937 229 5605; fax: +1 937 229 5601.
    • ,
  • Kimberly Edginton-Bigelow, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    • ,
  • Camille Bowsheir, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy Program)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    • ,
  • Melissa Weston, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy Program)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    • ,
  • Ember Grant, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy Program)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA

Received 14 June 2010; received in revised form 3 September 2010; accepted 5 September 2010. published online 15 June 2011.

Summary 

Background and purpose

Balance and mobility impairments are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of group kickboxing on balance and mobility in individuals with MS.

Methods

Four individuals with relapsing–remitting or secondary progressive MS participated in a group kickboxing program two times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking speed and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC).

Results

Following training, 3 of 4 participants had improvements in BBS performance. All participants demonstrated improvements in the DGI. Changes in the TUG, ABC, and walking speed were more variable.

Conclusion

Group kickboxing appears to be a feasible exercise activity for individuals with MS and may lead to improvement in select measures of balance. Further investigation may be warranted.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Kickboxing, Balance, Exercise, Training

 

PII: S1360-8592(10)00138-5

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.09.002

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 16, Issue 1 , Pages 7-13, January 2012

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution