Effects of 16-week progressive resistance training on neurodegeneration in people with progressive multiple sclerosis: An extended baseline within-person trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a 16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) intervention could mitigate neurodegeneration and improve neuronal function in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS).
Results Summary
The PRT intervention significantly improved muscle strength (3-11 kg) but did not significantly affect neurodegeneration or neuronal function, though cortical gray matter volume showed a non-significant trend toward decline during baseline and intervention periods.
Population
People with progressive multiple sclerosis (30 participants, 20 females, mean age 54 years).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
16 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) | increase | muscle strength | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | 3-11 kg | significantly improved | #1 |
16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) | no change | neurodegeneration | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | no significant change | No significant changes were observed | #2 |
16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) | no change | neuronal function | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | no significant change | No significant changes were observed | #3 |
baseline period | decrease | cortical and deep gray matter volume (CGMV) | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | -0.0008, 95 %CI:-0.0017, 0.0001, p = 0.10 | demonstrated a trend towards decline | #4 |
16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) | decrease | cortical and deep gray matter volume (CGMV) | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | -0.0007, 95 %CI:-0.0016, 0.0001, p = 0.10 | demonstrated a trend towards decline | #5 |
follow-up period | no change | cortical and deep gray matter volume (CGMV) | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) | 0.0002, 95 %CI:-0.0007, 0.0011, p = 0.60 | not | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) is characterized by ongoing neurodegeneration, which current therapies inadequately address. Exercise therapy has emerged as a potential approach to mitigate this process. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a 16-week progressive resistance training (PRT) on neurodegeneration and neuronal function in people with PMS. METHODS: In this extended-baseline within-person trial, neurodegeneration and neuronal function were assessed (i.e. total brain volume (TBV), cortical and deep gray matter volume (CGMV & DGMV) normalized for intercranial volume, default mode network (DMN) and sensorimotor network (SMN) resting-state functional connectivity and blood-based biomarkers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein)). Muscle strength changes were also measured. Linear mixed model analysis was used to assess changes. RESULTS: Thirty participants (20 females; mean age 54 years) significantly improved in muscle strength (3-11 kg). No significant changes were observed in neurodegeneration nor neuronal function. CGMV demonstrated a trend towards decline during the baseline (-0.0008, 95 %CI:-0.0017, 0.0001, p = 0.10) and intervention period (-0.0007, 95 %CI:-0.0016, 0.0001, p = 0.10), but not during the follow-up (0.0002, 95 %CI:-0.0007, 0.0011, p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The PRT intervention improved muscle strength but did not affect neurodegeneration and neuronal function in people with PMS. Further research on longer-term exercise interventions is warranted.