Journal Article

Effects of exercise on fitness and cognition in progressive MS: a randomized, controlled pilot trial

Tallner, A, Heesen, C, Patra, S, Briken, S, Harbs, D, Gold, SM, Ketels, G, Schulz, KH, Vettorazzi, E

2014

Overview

Background: Exercise may have beneficial effects on both well-being and walking ability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise is shown to be neuroprotective in rodents and may also enhance cognitive function in humans. It may, therefore, be particularly useful for MS patients with pronounced neurodegeneration. Objective: To investigate the potential of standardized exercise as a therapeutic intervention for progressive MS, in a randomized-controlled pilot trial. Methods: Patients with progressive MS and moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4–6) were randomized to one of three exercise interventions (arm ergometry, rowing, bicycle ergometry) for 8–10 weeks or a waitlist control group. We analyzed the drop-out rate as a measure of feasibility. The primary endpoint of the study was aerobic fitness. Secondary endpoints were walking ability, cognitive function as measured by a neuropsychological test battery, depression and fatigue. Results: A total of 42 patients completed the trial (10.6% drop-out rate). Significant improvements were seen in aerobic fitness. In addition, exercise improved walking ability, depressive symptoms, fatigue and several domains of cognitive function. Conclusion: This study indicated that aerobic training is feasible and could be beneficial for patients with progressive MS. Larger exercise studies are needed to confirm the effect on cognition. Trial Registration: ISRCTN (trial number 76467492) http://isrctn.org

• Publisher: SAGE Publications,Sage Publications,Sage Publications Ltd
• Subject: Adult / Adult and adolescent clinical studies / Biological and medical sciences / Cognition - physiology / Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases / Depression / Disability Evaluation / Exercise Test / Exercise Therapy / Fatigue - physiopathology / Fatigue - rehabilitation / Female / Humans / Male / Medical sciences / Middle Aged / Miscellaneous / Mood disorders / Multiple Sclerosis - physiopathology / Multiple Sclerosis - rehabilitation / Multiple sclerosis and variants. Guillain barré syndrome and other inflammatory polyneuropathies. Leukoencephalitis / Neurology / Physical Fitness - physiology / Pilot Projects / Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry / Psychopathology. Psychiatry / Treatment Outcome