Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop muscular weakness and problems with walking, transfers, balance and fatigue. The question often arises whether the type of exercise designed to strengthen muscle in normal subjects is of value in those with MS. In this preliminary study we have compared the effects of no activity with prescribed general physiotherapy exercises or weighted leg raises designed to strengthen the quadriceps. Muscle strength and functional activities such as walking and transferring were evaluated alongside recordings of surface EMG activity in the rectus femoris to determine whether any of the interventions produced functional or physiological changes. There was a trend for the subjects-undergoing either exercise prescribed by a physiotherapist or leg raising exercises to improve, while those who did nothing showed little or no improvement. Physiotherapy exercises seemed to produce greater improvements in walking, while leg raising exercise had more influence on transfers. All subjects reported feeling encouraged by contact with researchers, even if no exercise was prescribed.

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