Systematically developed pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise and cognition in persons with multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a frequent and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Exercise training is a potential management strategy for MS-related cognitive deficits.
• Fully ambulatory individuals with MS often experience challenges with cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a progressive treadmill walking exercise intervention on cognition in fully ambulatory individuals with MS.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on cognitive processing speed (CPS) and executive function.
• To evaluate changes in walking performance and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed.
• Ten fully ambulatory females with MS were randomized into an exercise intervention group or a waitlist control group.
• The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of supervised, progressive treadmill walking exercise training.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in cognitive processing speed (CPS) (d = 0.95).
• Large intervention effects were noted for walking performance (d = 0.76) and cardiorespiratory fitness (d > 1.08).
• Improved cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with enhanced CPS (r = .60).

Conclusions:

• This pilot RCT provides preliminary evidence supporting progressive treadmill walking exercise for improving CPS, walking performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in ambulatory individuals with MS.
• Improved cardiorespiratory fitness may be a key mechanism driving enhancements in CPS.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.