Exercise in multiple sclerosis and its models: Focus on the central nervous system outcomes

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Science
• Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS disorder involving inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration.
• Clinical data on exercise benefits for MS primarily focus on non-CNS outcomes.
• Understanding exercise's CNS effects in MS is crucial for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical evidence on how exercise impacts CNS mechanisms in MS.
• To explore exercise's potential therapeutic effects within the CNS in MS.
• To synthesize findings from other CNS diseases to inform MS research.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies on exercise and MS models.
• Analysis of research on exercise's effects on oligodendrocyte function, remyelination, and neuroinflammation.
• Examination of data from other CNS diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury).

Main Results:

• Exercise influences oligodendrocyte proliferation, remyelination, and neuroinflammation in preclinical MS models.
• Exercise demonstrates neuroprotective effects and promotes axonal regeneration.
• Evidence from other CNS diseases supports exercise's broad therapeutic potential in the CNS.

Conclusions:

• Preclinical evidence strongly suggests exercise confers significant benefits within the CNS for MS.
• Exercise modulates key pathological processes in MS, including remyelination and neuroinflammation.
• Further research is warranted to translate these CNS-centric findings into clinical MS interventions.