Physical activity and cognitive function in adults with multiple sclerosis: an integrative review

Abstract

Purpose To identify and synthesize the research evidence concerning (1) the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and (2) to review the reported effects of physical activity interventions on neurocognitive performance conducted in this population. Methods Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles were identified by searching PubMed, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus through May 2016. Full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated for quality using tools developed by the National Institutes of Health. Studies deemed to be of poor quality were excluded from the review. Results Nineteen studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were analyzed. Nine studies reported significant relationships between higher levels of physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness and measures of cognitive function. Data extracted from 10 physical activity intervention studies reported mixed results on the effectiveness of physical activity to improve selected domains of cognitive function in persons with MS. Conclusion Although correlational studies provide evidence to support a linkage between physical activity and cognitive function in persons with MS, this linkage is confounded by factors that may have influenced the studies’ results. Evidence derived from intervention studies that could support a positive effect of physical activity on cognition in persons with MS is equivocal.

Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines

“…Other Clinical Populations: There is Moderate evidence, largely based on RCTs, indicating that PA improves cognitive function in individuals with diseases or disorders that impair cognitive function including ADHD (39), schizophrenia (58), multiple sclerosis (MS) (55), Parkinson's disease (56), and stroke (53,64). Results in MS are conflicting, but executive function, learning, memory, and processing speed show the largest effects (55). Individuals with Parkinson's disease show improvements in cognition following PA (56,57), with the largest effect sizes in general cognitive function and executive function.…”

Enhancing Mood, Cognition, and Quality of Life in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

“…In adults, exercise and physical therapy improves MS-related fatigue and QoL [109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116]. A recent meta-analysis also showed a statistically significant benefit of exercise on reducing depressive symptoms [117] and improving cognition [118,119].…”

Caregiver Involvement in MS: Duty or Disruption?

“…Moreover, some cultural and religious beliefs may promote a fatalistic view of an illness [ 7 ] or advise against specific or any medical interventions. For example, some cultures traditionally advocate bedrest for ill people, yet physical activity has psychological, physical and, possibly, cognitive benefits for PwMS [ 45 , 46 ]. The tension between the different sources of information can leave the PwMS conflicted.…”