Effects of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: Exercise training and social support have been reported to counteract the disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to pilot test a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program, performed in pairs, on functional abilities, fatigue, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) in people with MS. Methods: Eight patients with MS aged between 35 and 59 years were involved in a pre–post-pilot study. The intervention consisted of 20 combined aerobic and strength training sessions carried out by two participants simultaneously over a 7-week period. The Functional Independence Measure was used to assess activity limitation, and the Short Form-36 to evaluate the HRQOL. Fatigue perceptions were assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Descriptive Scale (FDS). Overall, peak oxygen consumption test, 6-Minute Waking Test, T25-Foot Walk, and 9-Hole Peg Test were administered to evaluate functional abilities. Results: Role-physical and Vitality HRQOL subscales significantly increased by 120 % (p = 0.026) and by 33.85 % (p = 0.012), respectively, over the training. Fatigue perception significantly decreased in both the scales: FDS changed by −12.20 % (p = 0.049) and FSS by −12.85 % (p = 0.034). No changes were reported for functional measures over the training period. Conclusions: The full adherence of participants and the absence of detrimental effects sustain the feasibility of the training program. Findings suggest possible beneficial effects of a combined exercise program with social support on HRQOL and fatigue.