Comparative effects of frenkel exercises with and without suit therapy on the speed and pattern of walking in patients with multiple sclerosis: A Semi-Experimental Study

Khodadadi, Majid; Rahnama, Nader; Rezanejad, Saber; Enteshari, Mahtab

doi:10.22084/rsr.2025.30847.1774

Comparative effects of frenkel exercises with and without suit therapy on the speed and pattern of walking in patients with multiple sclerosis: A Semi-Experimental Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Majid Khodadadi ¹

Nader Rahnama ²

Saber Rezanejad ¹

Mahtab Enteshari ³

¹ Assistant Professor of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences. University of Almadi Meh. Isfahan. Iran.

² Professor of Sport Medicine& Health, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences. University of Almadi Meh. Isfahan. Iran.

10.22084/rsr.2025.30847.1774

Abstract

Background and Aim: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease that damages the myelin of the central nervous system.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, participants were assigned to three groups: control, suit therapy, and no suit therapy. The control group received only pharmacological treatments, while the suit therapy and no suit therapy groups performed Frenkel exercises in addition to their drug therapy. The exercise sessions were held three times a week, each lasting one hour, for eight weeks. Walking speed and gait pattern were assessed using the 25-foot walk test and the Tinetti test. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare pre-test and post-test data, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results showed a significant improvement in walking speed in the no-suit therapy group compared to the control group, and in the suit therapy group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the suit therapy group showed a significant improvement in walking speed compared to the no suit therapy group. Regarding gait pattern, the no-suit therapy group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group, and the suit therapy group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group. Additionally, the suit therapy group showed a significant improvement in gait pattern compared to the no suit therapy group.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results suggest that Frenkel exercises positively affect walking speed and gait pattern in MS patients. It is recommended that Frenkel exercises be performed with a suit therapy.

Keywords

Frenkels exercises

Suit therapy

Walking speed

Walking pattern

Multiple sclerosis

Subjects