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Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Multiple sclerosis and brief moderate exercise. A randomised study
O H Bjarnadottir1, A D Konradsdottir, K Reynisdottir
1Reykjalundur Rehabilitation Center, 270 Mosfellsbaer, Iceland. olofb@reykjalundur.is
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|July 7, 2007
Summary
Moderate aerobic exercise significantly improved physical fitness in patients with mild multiple sclerosis (MS). This exercise regimen did not worsen MS symptoms or disability, suggesting a safe and beneficial intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition affecting physical fitness and quality of life.
- Exercise interventions are increasingly explored for managing MS symptoms and improving patient well-being.
- Mild MS patients may benefit from tailored exercise programs to maintain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a combined aerobic and strength exercise program on physical fitness and quality of life in patients with mild multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To assess the impact of exercise on key physical fitness parameters including peak oxygen consumption (V'O2peak), workload, and anaerobic threshold.
- To evaluate changes in quality of life and disability status (Expanded Disability Status Scale - EDSS) following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 16 outpatients diagnosed with definitive MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale <4).
- Participants were randomized into an exercise group (EG, n=6) or a control group (CG, n=10).
- The EG engaged in moderate aerobic exercise three times weekly for five weeks, while the CG maintained their usual activity levels. Physical fitness, quality of life (SF-36), and disability (EDSS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in workload (mean change 0.34 W/kg), peak oxygen consumption (V'O2peak) (mean change 4.54 mL/kg/min), and anaerobic threshold (mean change 0.32 L/min).
- A trend towards improved quality of life scores was observed in the exercise group.
- No significant changes in the degree of disability, as measured by the EDSS, were detected in either group.
Conclusions:
- Brief, moderate aerobic exercise is effective in enhancing physical fitness in individuals with mild multiple sclerosis.
- The findings suggest that exercise interventions can be safely implemented in mild MS populations without exacerbating neurological symptoms or disability.
- Aerobic exercise shows promise as a supportive therapy for improving functional capacity and potentially quality of life in mild MS.
