Short-term aerobic training does not improve memory functioning in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled trial

Background

Only few aerobic exercise intervention trials specifically targeting cognitive functioning have been performed in MS.

Objective and methods

This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in relapsing-remitting MS. The primary outcome was verbal memory (Verbal learning and memory test, VLMT). Patients were randomized to an intervention group (IG) program or a waitlist control group (CG). Patients in the IG exercised according to an individually tailored training schedule (with 2-3 sessions per week for 12 weeks). The primary analysis was carried out using the intention-to-treat (ITT) sample with ANCOVA adjusting for baseline scores.

Results

77 RRMS patients were screened and 68 participants randomized (CG n=34; IG n=34). The sample comprised 68% females, had a mean age of 39 years, a mean disease duration of 6.3 years, and a mean EDSS of 1.8. No significant effects were detected in the ITT analysis for the primary endpoint VLMT or any other cognitive measures. Moreover, no significant treatment effects were observed for quality of life, fatigue, or depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

This study failed to demonstrate beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in RRMS.

The trial was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (<ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" ext-link-type="clintrialgov" xlink:href="NCT02005237">NCT02005237</ext-link>).