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Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
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Case Report: Concurrent Resistance and Aerobic Training Regulate Adiponectin Expression and Disease Severity in
Elisa Grazioli1, Ersilia Nigro2,3, Claudia Cerulli1
1Department of Exercise, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Adapted exercise improved quality of life and reduced disability in a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient. Moderate-intensity training also decreased body mass index (BMI) and adiponectin levels, suggesting a link between exercise, adiponectin, and MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroimmunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting functional, cognitive, and psychological health.
- Adapted exercise offers a non-pharmacological approach to manage MS symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL).
- Adipose tissue, via adipokines like adiponectin, influences energy metabolism and inflammation, with implications for MS pathogenesis.
Observation:
- A case study involving a volunteer with secondary progressive MS participated in a 4-month moderate-intensity exercise program (65% heart rate reserve).
- Biometric and biochemical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), adiponectin levels (total and oligomeric profile), and QoL, were assessed pre-training (T0), post-training (T1), and 6 months post-training (T2).
- The study specifically examined the high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin oligomers, known for mediating key biological effects.
Findings:
- The exercise intervention resulted in a reduction in BMI (-0.9%) and fat mass (-2.6%).
- Perceived QoL improved, and MS disability, measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), decreased at T1.
- A notable finding was the reduction in total serum adiponectin and HMW adiponectin oligomers post-training.
Implications:
- This case study suggests that moderate-intensity exercise may positively influence body composition and reduce disease severity in MS patients.
- The observed changes in adiponectin levels, particularly HMW oligomers, indicate a potential mechanistic link between exercise, metabolic regulation, and MS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of exercise-mediated modulation of adiponectin in managing multiple sclerosis.

