Exercise and cognition in multiple sclerosis: The importance of acute exercise for developing better interventions

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction is a common and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Current management strategies for MS-related cognitive impairment are limited.
• Exercise training shows potential for improving cognitive function in various populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing evidence on the effects of exercise on cognition in individuals with MS.
• To establish a framework for investigating acute exercise effects on cognitive outcomes in MS.
• To inform the development of evidence-based exercise interventions for cognitive impairment in MS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
• Analysis of literature on exercise and cognition in the general population.
• Development of a theoretical framework for acute exercise studies in MS.

Main Results:

• Evidence for exercise benefits on cognition in MS is currently equivocal, potentially due to methodological limitations in existing studies.
• Studies in the general population consistently demonstrate positive effects of exercise on cognitive function across the lifespan.
• Acute exercise paradigms show promise for eliciting immediate cognitive benefits.

Conclusions:

• Exercise training is a promising, non-pharmacological approach to address cognitive dysfunction in MS.
• Further well-designed studies, particularly examining acute exercise effects, are needed to optimize interventions.
• An evidence-based approach, informed by general population research, is crucial for developing effective exercise programs for MS cognition.