Self-paced combined training alleviated oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and hyperlipidaemia in people living with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To examine the effects of self-paced combined high-intensity interval training and resistance training (HIIT-RT) on oxidative stress, inflammation lipid profile and body composition in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods: Twenty-three PwMS were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG, n = 12) or a training group (TG, n = 11). The TG performed a 12-week self-paced HIIT-RT (3 times/week). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid profile and cellular damage as well as body composition were assessed pre- and post- intervention.

Results: Comparatively with CG, the TG showed a decrease in advanced oxidation protein products (p = 0.002, Hedges'g (g) = 1.50) and total thiols (p = 0.0011, g = 1.57), as well as an increase in reduced glutathione (p = 0.03, g = 0.98). Neutrophils (p = 0.003, g = 1.38), lymphocytes (p = 0.038, g = 0.92) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001, g = 2.14) decreased in TG compared with CG. There was also a decrease in body weight (p = 0.003, g = 1.39), body mass index (p = 0.002, g = 1.45) and fat mass (p = 0.006, g = 1.27) in TG comparatively with CG.

Conclusion: This study revealed the effectiviness of self-paced HIIT-RT in alleviating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and hyperlipidaemia, as well as in improving body composition in PwMS. This combined training may be recommended to better counteract the damage related to multiple sclerosis.