Resistance training improves functional capacities in women with multiple sclerosis: a randomized control trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Physiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• MS can lead to progressive disability, impacting muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life.
• Oxidative stress plays a role in MS pathogenesis and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 12-week resistance exercise training (RT) program on oxidative status, muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life (QoL), and fatigue in women with relapsing-remitting MS.
• To compare the effects of RT versus no exercise in MS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 25 women with MS (aged 18-45, EDSS ≤ 4) divided into MS with RT and MS without RT groups.
• The RT group underwent 12 weeks of training, 3 times/week, at 60-80% of 1RM.
• Assessed outcomes included oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPx), muscle strength (5-RM), functional capacity (T25FWT, 2MWT, 5STS, MSWS-12), hand dexterity (9-HPT), QoL (31-MusiQoL), and fatigue (FSMC).

Main Results:

• RT significantly improved muscle strength (leg extension, leg curl, bench press) and functional capacity (T25FWT, 2MWT, 5STS, MSWS-12) compared to the non-RT MS group.
• Improvements were observed in left-hand dexterity, fatigue, and QoL.
• No statistically significant changes were found in oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPx) or right-hand dexterity.

Conclusions:

• Twelve weeks of resistance exercise training positively impacts muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and fatigue in women with MS.
• RT did not significantly alter oxidative stress markers in this population.
• While RT offers clear benefits for MS patients, targeting oxidative stress remains an important area for future clinical development.