Impact of aerobic training on fitness and quality of life in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Fifty-four multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were randomly assigned to exercise (EX) or nonexercise (NEX) groups. Before and after 15 weeks of aerobic training, aspects of fitness including maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), isometric strength, body composition, and blood lipids were measured. Daily activities, mood, fatigue, and disease status were measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and neurological examination. Training consisted of 3 x 40-minute sessions per week of combined arm and leg ergometry. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were unchanged, except for improved bowel and bladder function in the EX group. Compared with baseline, the EX group demonstrated significant increases in VO2max, upper and lower extremity strength, and significant decreases in skinfolds, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). For the EX group, POMS depression and anger scores were significantly reduced at weeks 5 and 10, and fatigue was reduced at week 10. The EX group improved significantly on all components of the physical dimension of the SIP and showed significant improvements for social interaction, emotional behavior, home management, total SIP score, and recreation and past times. No changes were observed for EX or NEX groups on the FSS. Exercise training resulted in improved fitness and had a positive impact on factors related to quality of life.

Psychiatric Issues in Multiple Sclerosis

“…[55] The effect of exercise on MDD has been studied in healthy adults, persons with psychiatric conditions, and older adults. [56] Across studies, exercise appears to be more beneficial than no treatment, and in some studies it has been as effective as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy for mild to moderate depression.…”

Physical Activity Levels in People with Multiple Sclerosis in Saskatchewan

“…Structured group activity offers the advantage of a controlled dose-response setting for physical activity but may sacrifice the opportunity for individualized physical activity programs, which are recommended for people with MS. 23 However, individuals with varying levels of disability may gain psychological and social benefits from participation in group classes. For example, Petajan et al 5 attributed the 97% adherence rate in their study involving a group aerobic training program to social support. Similarly, Howe and Gomperts 23 reported that study participants motivated and supported each other during training.…”

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

“…Each session consisted of 30 minutes of training on the elliptical trainer. This time period for this exercise intervention (15 sessions over 6 weeks) was within the range of time periods previously used for resistance and aerobic training in patients with MS [12,16,[35][36].…”