Short-term interval aerobic exercise training does not improve memory functioning in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis—a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundOnly few aerobic exercise intervention trials specifically targeting cognitive functioning have been performed in multiple sclerosis.Objective and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial with 34 patients in the intervention group (IG) (mean: 38.2 years (±9.6)) and 34 patients in the control group (CG) (mean: 39.6 years (±9.7)) aimed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The primary outcome was verbal learning assessed by the verbal learning and memory test (VLMT). Patients were randomized to an IG or a waitlist CG. Patients in the IG exercised according to an individually tailored training schedule (with two to three sessions per week for 12 weeks). The primary analysis was carried out using the intention-to-treat (ITT) sample with ANCOVA adjusting for baseline scores.ResultsA total of 77 patients with RRMS were screened and 68 participants randomized (CG n = 34; IG n = 34). The sample comprised 68% females, had a mean age of 39 years, a mean disease duration of 6.3 years, and a mean expanded disability status scale of 1.8. No significant effects were detected in the ITT analysis for the primary endpoint VLMT or any other cognitive measures. Moreover, no significant treatment effects were observed for quality of life, fatigue, or depressive symptoms.ConclusionThis study failed to demonstrate beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in RRMS. The trial was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02005237).

The Effect of an Eight-week Pilates Training on Interleukine-18 Level, Fatigue, and Balance in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

“…Duration and the number of sessions could explain this reliability. The results of this study were inconsistent with that of Baquet et al [19].…”

“…They found no significant effect of the treatments on the quality of life, frequency of fatigue, and depression, in patients with MS. The smaller sample size and lower exercise intensity could be the reasons behind the nonsignificant results in the study in question [19]. Besides, the pathophysiology of fatigue is not understood in MS patients; further studies are needed to explore the causes of fatigue and its descending trend following the training programs.…”

“…For example, six weeks of Pilates exercises mitigated fatigue and depression and subsequently improved the quality of life in the experimental group, compared with the control group [18]. Also, Baquet et al indicated that short-term aerobic exercises did not significantly impact the quality of life and fatigue, in MS patients [19]. However, six weeks of Pilates exercises have significantly affected the balance of females with MS [20].…”

Cognitive Impairment Impacts Exercise Effects on Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

“…Besides potential exercise regime independent benefits of exercise on cognition, HIIT applied in this study had a positive impact on physical fitness in pwMS. Against argued worries about potential losses of adherence linked to higher exercise intensities ( 30 ), this study showed high adherence rates by pwMS of several disability ranges. However, the setting remains an inpatient rehabilitation that is not comparable to outpatient settings.…”

Aerobic Exercise Induces Functional and Structural Reorganization of CNS Networks in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The AERCONN trial [Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Cognitive Function and Brain Connectivity (NCT02005237)] is a rater-blinded, 1:1 randomized, controlled trial of aerobic exercise training over 3 months in MS compared to a waitlist control group. Details on trial design, intervention, and clinical outcomes have been published before (Baquet et al, 2018 ). Briefly, we recruited patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) according to the McDonald criteria 2010 (Polman et al, 2011 ) without relapse or disability progression during the last 3 months (January 2013–November 2015).…”