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Exercise training effects on memory and hippocampal viscoelasticity in multiple sclerosis: a novel application of magnetic resonance elastography.

Neuroradiology
January 1, 2017
Brian M Sandroff et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine whether progressive treadmill walking exercise training improves learning, memory, and hippocampal viscoelasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Results Summary

The study found small-to-moderate improvements in learning and memory (CVLT-II performance) and large improvements in hippocampal viscoelastic properties (shear stiffness and damping ratio). Changes in memory scores were strongly correlated with changes in hippocampal properties.

Population

Fully ambulatory females with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Effective Dosage

Supervised, progressive treadmill walking exercise training (specific intensity/frequency not detailed).

Duration

12 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
progressive treadmill walking exercise training
increase
CVLT-II performance
fully ambulatory females with MS
d = 0.34
small-to-moderate intervention effects
#1
progressive treadmill walking exercise training
increase
hippocampal μ (shear stiffness)
fully ambulatory females with MS
d = 0.94
large intervention effects
#2
progressive treadmill walking exercise training
decrease
hippocampal ξ (damping ratio)
fully ambulatory females with MS
d = -1.20
large intervention effects
#3
-
neutral
change in CVLT-II scores
-
r = 0.93, p < 0.01
strongly associated
#4
-
neutral
change in CVLT-II scores
-
r = -.96, p < 0.01
strongly associated
#5
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment is common and debilitating among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and might be managed with exercise training. However, the effects of exercise training on viscoelastic brain properties in this population are unknown. The present pilot study adopted a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and is the first to examine the effect of an aerobic exercise training intervention on learning and memory and hippocampal viscoelasticity using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in persons with MS. METHODS: Eight fully ambulatory females with MS were randomly assigned into exercise training intervention or waitlist control conditions. The intervention condition involved 12 weeks of supervised, progressive treadmill walking exercise training. All participants underwent measures of learning and memory (i.e., California Verbal Learning Test-II; CVLT-II) and further underwent MRE scans for measurement of shear stiffness (μ) and damping ratio (ξ) of the hippocampus before and after the 12-week period. RESULTS: Overall, there were small-to-moderate intervention effects on CVLT-II performance (d = 0.34) and large intervention effects on hippocampal μ (d = 0.94) and hippocampal ξ (d = -1.20). Change in CVLT-II scores was strongly associated with change in μ (r = 0.93, p < 0.01) and ξ (r = -.96, p < 0.01) of the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: This small pilot RCT provides exciting proof-of-concept data supporting progressive treadmill walking exercise training for potentially improving learning and memory and underlying hippocampal viscoelastic properties in persons with MS. This is important given the high prevalence and burden of MS-related memory impairment.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdolescentAdultElasticity Imaging TechniquesExercise TherapyFemaleHippocampusHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMemory DisordersMiddle AgedMultiple SclerosisPilot ProjectsProof of Concept StudyTreatment Outcome
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations86
Citations/Year10.8
Relative Citation Ratio4.70
NIH Percentile92.3%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.12
Normalized Score0.69
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