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

Lisa Baquet,Christoph Heesen,Jan-Patrick Stellmann,Andreas K Engel,Eik Vettorazzi,Stefan Michael Gold,Jana Poettgen,Helge Hasselmann,Sina Cathérine Rosenkranz,Karl-Heinz Schulz,Stefan Patra

doi:10.7717/peerj.6037

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).

Highlights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease in young people leading to substantial disability (Reich, Lucchinetti & Calabresi, 2018)
Overview and patient recruitment Our trial was a single-blinded, 1:1 randomized, controlled phase IIa study with an active intervention group (IG) (n = 34; mean age: 38.2 years (±9.6)) and a waitlist control group (CG) (n = 34; mean age: 39.6 years (±9.7))
Patients originally randomized to the waitlist group had the opportunity to train as well and IG patients were invited to continue training

Summary

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease in young people leading to substantial disability (Reich, Lucchinetti & Calabresi, 2018). There is only modest evidence that the long-term disease progression is altered by DMTs. Neurodegeneration is thought to be a major driver of persistent disability and MS-related impairments in higher order brain functions such as cognition, highlighting the importance of developing treatment options in this area (Amato et al, 2013). Few aerobic exercise intervention trials targeting cognitive functioning have been performed in multiple sclerosis. Objective and Methods: This 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). No significant effects were detected in the ITT analysis for the primary endpoint VLMT or any other cognitive measures.

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion