Effects of a Training Program Involving Body Cooling on Physical and Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: Two methods using exercise and body cooling could influence the well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to determine whether wearing a cooling vest during a physical training program could increase the cognitive and physical capacities and quality of life in PwMS. Methods: Eighteen PwMS (49.6 ± 8 years; Expanded Disability Status Score 5.0 ± 1.0) were randomly assigned to a cooling or control group. PwMS underwent a 7-week physical training program. In the cooling group, PwMS wore a cooling vest during each training session, whereas in the control group, PwMS wore a cotton T-shirt. Before and after the training program, both groups completed the Isaacs Set Test (IST), Trail Making Test A-B (TMT A-B), SEP-59, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: The cooling group showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved performance for IST, TMT A and 6MWT. Their emotional well-being and cognitive functions investigated in SEP-59 were significantly (p < 0.05) improved, and general and physical fatigue significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Conclusions: This physical training program combined with a cooling strategy could have a significant positive influence on both cognitive and physical performances, perceived fatigue and emotional well-being in heat-sensitive PwMS.

Fast-velocity Resistance Training Improves Force Development and Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis

“…used in the interventions. In line with our results, the studies that found improvements in quality of life used intensity of resistance training similar to ours (moderate-to-high; 60–85% 1-RM) 11 12 32 34 . However, the two studies that did not observe a change in quality of life when using lower intensities.…”

New Strategies for Rehabilitation and Pharmacological Treatment of Fatigue Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis

“…In the study by Miller et al, after ten sessions of WBC (one exposure per day at −110 • C or lower), patients reported improvements in functional status and feeling of fatigue [61]. Lowering the body temperature with a cooling garment also seems to have a similar positive influence on fatigue [62,63]. Even a single session with a Rehband cooling garment caused many positive changes for MS patients, including subjective improvements in fatigue [64].…”

“…Even a single session with a Rehband cooling garment caused many positive changes for MS patients, including subjective improvements in fatigue [64]. The authors of the above-mentioned articles did not report any side effects for the applied treatments [61][62][63][64]. Patients were excluded from the whole-body cryotherapy study if they had any of the following contraindications: antihypertensive or vasoactive medications or diuretics within the previous month; or any other significant medical diagnoses, including thyroid, hypothalamic or cardiovascular disease, circulatory or breathing insufficiency, clotting, embolisms, inflammation of blood vessels, open wounds, ulcers, serious cognitive disturbances, fever, addictions, claustrophobia, or over-sensitivity to cold [61].…”

Cooling During Exercise May Induce Benefits Linked to Improved Brain Perfusion

“…Wearing a cooling vest during submaximal exercise under humid temperate conditions ( ≈ 22 °C, ≈ 80 % relative humidity) improves thermal comfort by reducing the perceptions of temperature and humidity and by enhancing a general sense of well-being. The use of such garments should therefore be considered in the context of physical exercise (sport and occupational activities) but also in the context of pathologies, e. g. for multiple sclerosis patients [64]. Regarding physiological responses, this personnel-cooling vest seems to reduce the trunk temperature during exercise and recovery and to allow greater cerebral perfusion and a faster heart rate recovery.…”