Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Long-term endurance exercise improves aerobic capacity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis:
Stephan Schmidt1, Marc Wonneberger2
1Neurologische Gemeinschaftspraxis Bonn, Gesundheitszentrum St. Johannes, Kölnstr. 54, 53111 Bonn, Germany; Ruhr-University of Bochum, Department of Neurology, Knappschafts-Krankenhaus Langendreer, An der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany.
Abstract:
Little is known about the sustainability of exercise effects in patients with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). We present the results of a prospective, observer-blinded, single-center case control study using a "pre-post" design including 89 ambulatory patients with RRMS and an EDSS score of ≤3.5 who participated in an individualized 12 month aerobic endurance exercise program. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) increased and fatigue levels decreased significantly over time (p=0.03, p<0.02). Subgroup analysis of patients with fatigue (FSS>4) revealed that the increase of VO2 peak remained significant after 12 months whereas patients without fatigue did not improve any further after six months. A significant decrease of the FSS score was only observed after nine months (p<0.03) In conclusion, aerobic exercise leads to a sustainable improvement of VO2 peak over an extended exercise period of 12 months. There is a weak, but significant effect on fatigue levels which becomes detectable only after nine months. Since subgroup analysis revealed that MS patients behaved differently according to their baseline fatigue levels, adjustment to the individual fatigue levels is recommended for future exercise interventions in RRMS patients.
More Related Videos
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
04:24Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...