Effects of a short-term exercise training program on aerobic fitness, fatigue, health perception and activity level of subjects with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients of an inpatient rehabilitation program have been randomly assigned to an exercise training (MS-ET) or nontraining group (MS-NI). Before and after 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training, a graded maximal exercise test with measurement of gas exchange and a lung function test was administered to all 26 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Activity level, fatigue and health perception were measured by means of questionnaires. Twenty-six healthy persons served as control group and were matched in respect of age, gender and activity level. Training intervention consisted of 5x30 min sessions per week of bicycle exercise with individualised intensity. Compared with baseline, the MS training group demonstrated a significant rightward placement of the aerobic threshold (AT) (VO2+13%; work rate [WR])+11%), an improvement of health perception (vitality+46%; social interaction+36%), an increase of activity level (+17%) and a tendency to less fatigue. No changes were observed for the MS-NI group and the control groups. Maximal aerobic capacity and lung function were not changed by either training or nontraining in all four groups. Overall compliance to the training program was quite low (65%), whereas incidence of symptom exacerbation by physical activity has been lower than expected (6%).

Elliptical exercise improves fatigue ratings and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…In addition, patients with MS have lower QOL scores and lower levels of physical activity than other persons with chronic conditions [3,[9][10]. Low QOL scores translate to lower physical activity levels, while increases in structured exercise participation and increases in physical activity levels have been shown to increase QOL scores [11][12][13]. Thus, the improvement in reported QOL in patients with MS in the present study is likely the result of the structured elliptical exercise program.…”

“…In general, the level of physical activity is greatly reduced in patients with MS because of multifactor causes including axonal fatigue, deconditioning, ongoing disability, and medical recommendations for limited activity [15]. Previous studies have also shown an improvement in QOL parameters related to regular physical activity in individuals with MS [11][12][13]. Increasing the overall physical activity level of patients with MS is also crucial to maintaining long-term health in the population despite the inherent challenges to patients with MS in sustaining an increased activity level [45].…”

“…For example, cycling [11] and resistance training [19] resulted in significantly improved fatigue ratings, while treadmill training [16] did not affect fatigue scores. Thus, the exercise modality that is the most effective for improving fatigue and QOL in patients with MS is not clear.…”

“…The reported QOL level in patients with MS is lower than other persons with chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease [3,[9][10]. Increases in structured exercise participation and increases in physical activity levels have been shown to increase QOL scores [11][12][13]. Currently, physical activity levels in patients with MS are significantly lower than nondisabled groups [14].…”

Impact of a 10-Week Individualized Exercise Program on Physical Function and Fatigue of People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…3 However, recent research indicates that people with MS who engage in exercise programs show benefits in both physical 4 and psychological 5 health, resulting in improved quality of life (QOL). [6][7][8][9] Specifically, studies have found improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness [10][11][12] and muscle strength. 13,14 In several of these studies, 4,5,10,12,14 the exercise protocol was performed by the participant in a testing environment that included supervision by an exercise specialist but no opportunity for social interaction with other study participants.…”