Randomized controlled trial of a remotely-delivered exercise training program in older adults with multiple sclerosis: Secondary effects on cognition, symptoms, and quality of life

IF 3 3区医学 Q2 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Multiple sclerosis and related disorders Pub Date : 2026-05-01 Epub Date: 2026-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.msard.2026.107105

Peixuan Zheng , Sydney R. DeJonge , Noah G. DuBose , Ariel Kidwell-Chandler , Trevor B. Martin , Trinh L.T. Huynh , Robert W. Motl

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience co-occurring effects of aging and disease progression, resulting in worsening cognition, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). There is limited research examining approaches for improving those outcomes in older adults with MS.

Objectives

We examined the efficacy of a 16-week home-based exercise training program for improving secondary study outcomes of cognition, symptoms, and QOL in older adults with MS.

Methods

This phase-Ib, randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 51 participants (60.5±6.6 years, 78% females) who were randomized into exercise training (aerobic and resistance) or active control (stretching) conditions. Participants completed laboratory assessments before and after the 16-week programs. Cognitive function was measured using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. Symptoms of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, respectively. QOL was measured by the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results

Forty-one participants (80.4 %) completed the conditions, with outcome data obtained from 20 exercise and 16 control participants. There were statistically significant improvements in executive function, processing speed, fatigue, and health-related QOL in the exercise group (p < 0.05, d = 0.48–0.66). No significant changes were observed in the control group (p>0.05).

Conclusions

We provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of exercise training for improving cognition, reducing fatigue impact, and enhancing QOL in older adults with MS who had moderate disability.

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老年多发性硬化症患者远程运动训练项目的随机对照试验：对认知、症状和生活质量的继发影响

背景：老年多发性硬化症（MS）患者经历衰老和疾病进展的共同作用，导致认知、症状和生活质量（QOL）恶化。目的：我们研究了16周的家庭运动训练计划对改善老年ms患者认知、症状和生活质量的次要研究结果的有效性。这项ib期随机对照试验（RCT）包括51名参与者（60.5±6.6岁，78%为女性），他们被随机分为运动训练（有氧和阻力）和主动控制（拉伸）两组。参与者在为期16周的项目前后完成了实验室评估。使用NIH工具箱认知电池测量认知功能。分别采用疲劳严重程度量表、修正疲劳影响量表、医院焦虑抑郁量表和短格式McGill疼痛问卷对疲劳、抑郁、焦虑和疼痛的症状进行评估。生活质量由29项多发性硬化症影响量表和36项简短健康调查来衡量。结果：41名参与者（80.4%）完成了条件，结果数据来自20名运动参与者和16名对照参与者。运动组在执行功能、处理速度、疲劳和健康相关生活质量方面均有统计学意义的改善（p < 0.05, d = 0.48-0.66）。对照组无明显变化（p < 0.05）。结论：我们提供了初步证据，证明运动训练可以改善中度残疾的老年MS患者的认知能力，减少疲劳影响，提高生活质量。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Multiple sclerosis and related disorders CLINICAL NEUROLOGY-

CiteScore

5.80

自引率

20.00%

发文量

814

审稿时长

66 days

期刊介绍： Multiple Sclerosis is an area of ever expanding research and escalating publications. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders is a wide ranging international journal supported by key researchers from all neuroscience domains that focus on MS and associated disease of the central nervous system. The primary aim of this new journal is the rapid publication of high quality original research in the field. Important secondary aims will be timely updates and editorials on important scientific and clinical care advances, controversies in the field, and invited opinion articles from current thought leaders on topical issues. One section of the journal will focus on teaching, written to enhance the practice of community and academic neurologists involved in the care of MS patients. Summaries of key articles written for a lay audience will be provided as an on-line resource. A team of four chief editors is supported by leading section editors who will commission and appraise original and review articles concerning: clinical neurology, neuroimaging, neuropathology, neuroepidemiology, therapeutics, genetics / transcriptomics, experimental models, neuroimmunology, biomarkers, neuropsychology, neurorehabilitation, measurement scales, teaching, neuroethics and lay communication.