Aerobic Exercise Leads to Improved Cognitive Function

Experts believe that MS develops when an unknown trigger turns the immune system against the central nervous system (CNS).This damages the protective layer of nerves – called myelin — interferes with nerve signaling throughout the central nervous system.

As a result, people with multiple sclerosis face unpredictable symptoms such as memory loss, pain, numbness, mood changes, and even paralysis.

Cognitive impairment is a common condition Affects 45% to 70% of people with MS. It is associated with decreased quality of life, work performance, and social participation. CPS impairment is a common type of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.

to date, treatment For MS, such as first-line corticosteroids and cognitive rehabilitation have limited efficacy in treating CPS disorders.

medical news today discussed this research Dr. Barbara GieserHe is a neurologist and multiple sclerosis specialist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. She is not involved in her current research.

Dr. Giesser explains: Cognitive rehabilitation and programs that provide both physical and cognitive stimulation may help. “

A growing body of research proves that exercise can provide such stimulation.

Research in 2021 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health says, “[i]In people with multiple sclerosis, exercise can reduce neuronal apoptosis and neurodegeneration, and exercise overall enhances neurological function and may be effective at stimulating neuroplasticity. “

movement barrier

Dr. Gieser also shared that people with multiple sclerosis face significant barriers to regular exercise. We may lack the means.

Some people with multiple sclerosis feel unable to exercise because of financial barriers, lack of self-efficacy, or fear of making their symptoms worse, neurologists said. MNT.

A team from the Kessler Foundation tracked 25 fully ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients, 19 of whom completed the study. Participants were aged 18–65 years, prescreened for CPS disorders, and deemed ‘insufficient physical activity’ based on questionnaires.

These people did not exhibit severe cognitive or psychiatric disorders affecting cognition.

They were randomly assigned to participate in remotely delivered aerobic locomotion training (intervention group) or stretching and range-of-motion activities (control group). Both groups were advised to complete his exercises three times per week and received regular one-on-one coaching from him with an exercise expert via scheduled Zoom calls.

Coaching combined with wearable fitness trackers helped ensure proper technique, safety, and adherence to prescribed regimens.

Researchers assessed participants through: Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) measures information processing speed in MS patients, California Language Learning Test (CVLT-II) measures verbal learning and memory. Testing was done at baseline and after 16 weeks.

The researchers found that the intervention condition group had higher SDMT scores at the end of the study compared to the control group.

Participants completed an average of 80% of the prescribed sessions.

Experts from the Kessler Foundation believed that removing time and travel barriers “are most likely the key factors in successful and efficient recruitment.” They said this promises to conduct similar trials on a larger scale for people with MS-induced CPS disorders.

This study shows that a remotely delivered exercise program may perform similarly to face-to-face sessions in fully ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients.

“This important study supports growing evidence that physical activity and exercise can improve cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis,” said Dr. Gieser.

However, the study authors say their study has some limitations.

Smaller budgets and shorter time frames resulted in smaller sample sizes. All participants were female, highly educated, and had mild multiple sclerosis, so the results may not be representative of the entire multiple sclerosis population.

Researchers were also unable to monitor the amount or intensity of movement of the participants.

Additionally, the research team did not charge a fee for their efforts, which may have skewed the financial cost of the current study downward.

Dr. Sandroff said MNT:

“We hope that these findings will facilitate the development of more accessible, convenient and large-scale exercise interventions, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for people affected by this difficult disease. ”

Experts believe their study confirms their hypothesis and may support the design of larger randomized controlled trials.