High-intensity resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis experiencing fatigue: A randomised controlled...

Exercise studies including only fatigued persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with fatigue as primary endpoint are lacking.

To evaluate the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on self-reported fatigue in fatigued PwMS in a single center randomised controlled trial.

We recruited 71 PwMS scoring ≥ 53 on the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), who were randomised 1:1 to either twice (group A) or once (group B) weekly supervised HIRT for twelve weeks. A non-randomised FSMC score-matched group (n=69) served as non-intervention control.

Between HIRT-group differences were non-significant for primary and most secondary endpoints. Mean difference in FSMC score (95% confidence intervals) was -10.9 (-14.8; -6.9) in group A and -9.8 (-13.2; -6.3) in group B. Corresponding values for combined HIRT groups vs non-intervention control were -10.3 (-12.9; -7.7) and 1.5 (-0.6;3.6), respectively, p<0.001. Secondary endpoints also improved in both HIRT groups, though only Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and MS Impact Scale-29 psychological subscales significantly favoured the twice a week HIRT (group A). As an exploratory endpoint, changes in plasma inflammatory protein markers were associated with reduced FSMC scores in the pooled material.

The finding that HIRT in fatigued PwMS leads to clinically relevant reductions in self-reported fatigue, associated with changes in plasma inflammatory protein levels, provide evidence for recommending HIRT for fatigued PwMS.