Symptom change with exercise is a temporary phenomenon for people with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Exercise is often recommended for MS management, but its impact on symptoms requires careful consideration.
• Understanding the immediate effects of exercise is crucial for developing safe and effective rehabilitation programs for individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a single, prescribed exercise session on functional capacity, perceived fatigue, and sensory symptoms in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
• To assess changes in these parameters immediately post-exercise and at a 24-hour follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A pilot before-after trial conducted across three MS society centers.
• 34 participants with MS performed a tailored exercise session (5-45 minutes) at a moderate perceived exertion (Borg RPE 7-17).
• Outcomes including fatigue, function, and sensory symptoms were self-rated using validated scales before, immediately after, and 24 hours post-exercise.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in subjective fatigue or function were observed immediately post-exercise or at 24-hour follow-up compared to pre-exercise levels.
• A notable percentage of participants experienced a temporary increase in the number (over 40%) and intensity (44%) of sensory symptoms immediately post-exercise.
• Approximately 29% reported an increase in both the number and intensity of sensory symptoms post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• Initiating exercise at a commencement level for individuals with MS appears safe regarding fatigue and function.
• Temporary exacerbation of sensory symptoms is a potential outcome of exercise in MS, necessitating monitoring.
• Further research with larger sample sizes may be beneficial to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects.