Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The Effect of 12 Weeks of Stretching Exercises on Lower Limb Joints Coordination during Gait under Fatigue in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Fatemeh Farahmandi 1
Leila Ghazaleh 2
Seyed Masoud Nabavi 3
Mohammad Reza Kordi 4
1 MSc, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor, Head of the Department of Neurology and MS, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
4 Professor, Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Weak lower limb joint coordination in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs gait. Fatigue is a common MS symptom, which negatively affects patients' motor abilities and quality of life. This study investigated the effect of 12 weeks of static stretching exercises on lower limb joint coordination during gait under fatigue in women with MS.
Methods: This quasi-experimental, applied study was conducted on 28 women with relapsing-remitting MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0–5 (height: 160.12 ± 4.74 cm, weight: 63.09 ± 9.98 kg, body mass index: 24.56 ± 3.29 kg/m²). Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=13) or control (n=15) group. The 12-week training protocol consisted of at-home static stretching exercises (4 sessions per week). The control group performed no exercise during this period. Dominant leg joint coordination (three pairs) was measured during the stance phase of gait using motion analysis cameras and a force plate at four time points (pre- and post-12 weeks, and pre- and post-fatigue). The fatigue protocol involved on-the-spot jogging until one minute after the patient reached 17 on the Borg scale.
Findings: Chronic static stretching exercises had no significant effect on lower limb joint coordination (Hip-Ankle, P = 0.12; Knee-Ankle, P = 0.59; Hip-Knee, P = 0.71). Fatigue had no significant effect on lower limb joint coordination (Hip-Ankle, P = 0.44; Knee-Ankle, P = 0.32; Hip-Knee, P = 0.75).

Conclusion: 12 weeks of at home static stretching exercises did not improve lower limb joint coordination in women with MS. Fatigue did not affect lower limb joint coordination in women with MS.

Highlights

Leila Ghazaleh: Google Scholar

Seyed Masoud Nabavi: PubMed, Google Scholar 

Mohammad Reza Kordi: Google Scholar

Keywords
Muscle Stretching Exercises
Fatigue
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 840
4th Week , January
January and February 2026
Pages 1553-1561

  • Receive Date 02 February 2025
  • Accept Date 10 December 2025