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Updated: May 12, 2025

Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Effects of Progressive Resistance Training on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Progressive Multiple
Arianne S Gravesteijn1, Heleen Beckerman2, Marloes Willig3
1MS Center Amsterdam, Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Neuroinfection & Neuroinflammation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Rehabilitation & Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Progressive resistance training did not improve cardiovascular risk factors in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients. Natural fluctuations in risk factors were minimal, suggesting limited variability in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Neurology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) presents challenges for cardiovascular risk management.
- Understanding natural fluctuations in cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for intervention studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cardiovascular risk factor variability over 16 weeks in SPMS.
- To evaluate the impact of a 16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) intervention on cardiovascular risk in SPMS.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a single-arm, nonrandomized clinical trial.
- 30 SPMS participants underwent a 16-week PRT program.
- Cardiovascular risk factors were measured at baseline, 16 weeks, and 32 weeks.
Main Results:
- PRT significantly improved muscle strength but did not alter cardiovascular risk parameters.
- Natural fluctuations in cardiovascular risk factors were generally small (ICC 0.717-0.983), except for systolic blood pressure (ICC 0.471).
Conclusions:
- A 16-week PRT program did not improve cardiovascular risk in individuals with SPMS.
- Cardiovascular risk factors showed limited natural fluctuation in this SPMS cohort.
- Baseline cardiovascular risk was comparable to general Dutch population norms.
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