Pioneering in Multiple Sclerosis
THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS STRENGTH AND STABILITY PROGRAM.
Lissa was our first client with multiple sclerosis. It was 2003. Before her our only knowledge of the disease was from popular literature. She had the body of a competitive swimmer, but her list to the left, her cautious gait and use of a cane, and the partial paralysis of the left side of her face - all belied better days gone by. We began with a simple physical assessment to include a mere six repetitions of 40 pounds resistance on a lying down leg press, which fatigued her. Six weeks later Lissa leg-pressed 120 pounds 20 times. The cane was laid aside, her gait improved. One year later she resumed swimming and secretly took tennis lessons so she could surprise her twin daughters
Our experience with Lissa directed us to the scientific journals. Conclusion:
People with MS could respond to progressive strength training
in a manner similar to those without the disease.
Several years later we were using whole body vibration (WBV) to enhance strength training and rehabilitation among non-MS clients. The scientific literature was growing in this use of WBV.
We brought the two bodies of research findings together for our MS clients.
The results were astounding.
*All pictures and quoted testimonies given by permission of subjects.
Karan (MS 14 years)"My drop foot has improved 50 percent. I no longer wear a brace. I have returned to work as a marketing specialist at the bank."
Raleigh (MS 6 years)"The issue for me was fatigue. I had to increase my strength and endurance. I did. I now manage a large warehouse. I have weekly training sessions and do in-home exercises".
Lynn (MS 10 years)
Dee (MS 5 years)"In five weeks I increased my strength and stability and cut my fatigue in half. My friends and family comment about my improved posture. I come home from my executive assistant position and still have energy to enjoy my family."
Leigh (MS 14 years)Leigh increased thigh muscle strength by 50 percent. In one session, she leg pressed a cumulative total of 5450 pounds. She continues as a senior consultant with an employee benefits company.
JoAnn: (MS 5 years) In six weeks, doing aggressive daily exercises, she experienced less pain in neck where there was a lesion. She was able to walk up and down stairs without assistance, no longer wearing braces.
Darline (MS 36 years): "I usually fell over 20 times a week. I used a cane and had a scissors gait. In one month I was down to five falls a week, then to two. Now, when I fall I can get up onto my feet without help."
Bill (MS 26 years): "I never thought it possible to increase leg strength. In two months, on seated leg press, I went from 75 pounds to ten repetitions of over 180 pounds."
