Effects of a Short Physical Exercise Intervention on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate if a short-term endurance or combined endurance/resistance exercise program was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and maximum force in adult patients (18–65 years) with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: All patients performed a three-month exercise program consisting of two training sessions per week, lasting 40 min each, with moderate intensity. All patients had a maximum value of 6 (low to moderate disability) on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). One group (combined workout group (CWG); 15 females, 4 males) completed a combined endurance/resistance workout (20 min on a bicycle ergometer, followed by 20 min of resistance training), while the other group (endurance workout group (EWG); 13 females, 5 males) completed a 40 min endurance training program. Aerobic capacity was assessed as peak oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, and workload expressed as Watts. Maximum force of knee and shoulder extensors and flexors was measured using isokinetic testing. Quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, and fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Results: Both training groups increased in aerobic capacity and maximum force. EWG, as well as CWG, showed improvement in several subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire and decrease of their fatigue. Conclusion: A short exercise intervention increased both aerobic capacity and maximum force independent of whether endurance or combined endurance/resistance workouts were performed.

Effects of Treadmill Training on Muscle Oxidative Capacity and Endurance in People with Multiple Sclerosis with Significant Walking Limitations

“…[11][12][13][14][15] While exercise training has been shown to increase VO 2peak in people with MS, measures of whole-body oxygen consumption are influenced by central and peripheral factors and do not directly evaluate changes in muscle-specific oxidative capacity. [16][17][18] Muscle oxidative capacity, or the capacity to produce energy through aerobic pathways, is directly related to muscle endurance, and, therefore, may be important in interventions aiming to improve endurance in people with MS. A recent study demonstrated improved muscle metabolism with electrical stimulation training in persons with MS, 19 but there is little evidence to support the use of voluntary exercise in interventions aimed at improving muscle oxidative capacity.…”

Therapie der Multiplen Sklerose

“…Tab. 4.7) inklusive der Therapie auslösender Ursachen (wie gestörter Nachtschlaf bei Blasenstörungen, Unterfunktion der Schilddrüse) in Frage (Pateijdl 2015 tik auswirkt (Andreasen et al 2011 (Kerling et al 2015). Aufgrund der multifaktoriellen Ätiologie der Fatigue ist eine Kombination verschiedener Verfahren häufig am vielversprechendsten (DGN 2014;Patejdl et al 2015).…”

Yoga Training Has Positive Effects on Postural Balance and Its Influence on Activities of Daily Living in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

“…20 However, weakness and atrophy are usual consequences of physical inactivity which may also cause physical impairment and increased disease severity. 21 In fact, recent researches have addressed the beneficial role of physical exercise for MS patients 1,4 , and a recent study has proven exercise to be beneficial to MS patients, decreasing fatigue and increasing quality of life 22 , and another study by Briken et al 23 also states that exercise may be beneficial for physical fitness and cognition of MS patients. Furthermore, an elegant review by Motl and Pilutti 1 states that exercise training has positive effects on muscle strength, aerobic capacity, walking performance, fatigue, gait, balance and quality of life of MS patients.…”