Response Heterogeneity With Exercise Training and Physical Activity Interventions Among Persons With Multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition with varied symptoms and progression.
• Physical activity and exercise are recognized rehabilitation strategies for managing MS-related impairments like fatigue and mobility issues.
• The variability in how individuals with MS respond to exercise interventions is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on individual participant data to describe response heterogeneity to physical activity and exercise in persons with MS.
• To identify potential factors influencing this variability in response.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of studies reporting individual participant data was conducted.
• The review focused on identifying and describing inter-individual variability in outcomes from physical activity and exercise interventions.

Main Results:

• Significant inter-individual variability exists in responses to physical activity and exercise interventions across various outcomes and exercise types in people with MS.
• Factors such as MS disease characteristics, neurological damage, and disability level may influence individual responses.

Conclusions:

• Response heterogeneity is a key consideration in exercise interventions for MS.
• Further large-scale research is needed to identify predictors of response heterogeneity.
• Tailored rehabilitation approaches based on individual factors are crucial for optimizing exercise benefits in MS.