Impact of short-term cycle ergometer training on quality of life, cognition and depressive symptomatology in multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study

Impact of physical activity, physical fitness and exercises on cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: A review of evidence and underlying mechanisms

Cognitive impairment in persons with MS (pwMS) occurs commonly, early and independently of other clinical features of the disease. MS-related cognitive impairment is mainly characterized by weakening of information processing speed, working memory and episodic memory. Much evidence, based on both neuropsychological and neuroimaging outcomes, highlights successful cognitive rehabilitation interventions. In this context, promotion of physical activity and exercise training could be a dual, motor and cognitive, rehabilitation method. The aim of this article is, firstly, to review existing evidence regarding the effects of exercise on cognition among pwMS, and secondly, to explore the possible mechanisms of action of the cognitive-motor coupling.

Effects of Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Nutritional Approaches on Body Composition and Bone Density in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are affected by a wide range of disabilities, including a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and a worsening of body composition (BC), which negatively impact their quality of life quality. This study aims to analyze the effects of nonpharmacological interventions-in particular, physical activity, nutritional approaches, and rehabilitation-on BC and BMD in pwMS. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the updated version of the PRISMA guidelines. In July 2022, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science) and gray literature were screened. Relevant articles published between 1 January 1990 and 1 September 2022 in any language were included. Outcomes of interest were anthropometric, BC measures, and BMD. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. After duplicates elimination, 1120 records were screened, and 36 studies were included. A total of 25 articles were focused on physical activity and rehabilitation, 10 on nutrition, and 1 on multimodal intervention. One-third of the studies were judged to be at high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a high degree of heterogeneity due to the high variability in disease severity and intervention duration, intensity, frequency, and type. In general, no intervention showed consistent positive effects on BC. However, the most promising interventions seemed to be high-intensity training and ketogenic diets. Only a few studies considered BMD, and the results are inconsistent. Nevertheless, more studies are needed in order to confirm these results.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

Cognitive impairment (CI) represents a common symptom in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), which can affect every stage of the disease course. Recent studies seem to support cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for minimizing the CI consequences. We reviewed the currently available evidence on the non-pharmacological approaches to CI, with the aim of giving an overview of the treatments used worldwide, from the traditional methods to the most recent techniques. A search of the literature was conducted on PubMed (articles in English performed in the last five years on humans). A total of 37 articles met our eligibility criteria after screening titles, abstracts and full-text and were divided into three main groups: in-presence interventions; studies performed via tele-rehabilitation and miscellaneous. Despite the great heterogeneity of the intervention and assessment methods, the evidence suggests that a non-pharmacological approach can improve MS-related CI. Cognitive rehabilitation seems effective and well established, as well as the use of computerized CR having the benefit of being even more appealing. Limited conclusions can be drawn on group CR due to the small number of studies focused on this kind of intervention. Some of the innovative approaches (virtual reality, EEG-based neurofeedback, brain stimulation, exercise, diet modification) may play a role in future studies and should be deeply explored.

Botanically-Derived Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, and Their 1:1 Combination, Modulate Toll-like Receptor 3 and 4 Signalling in Immune Cells from People with Multiple Sclerosis

The innate immune response to bacterial and viral molecules involves the coordinated production of cytokines, chemokines, and type I interferons (IFNs), which is orchestrated by toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs, and their intracellular signalling intermediates, are closely associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Recent data from our laboratory reported that the plant-derived cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), regulate viral and bacterial inflammatory signalling pathways controlled by TLR3 and TLR4 in macrophages. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of THC and CBD, when delivered in isolation and in combination (1:1), on TLR3- and TLR4-dependent signalling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from people with MS (pwMS; n = 21) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 26). We employed the use of poly(I:C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce viral TLR3 and bacterial TLR4 signalling, and PBMCs were pre-exposed to plant-derived highly purified THC (10 μM), CBD (10 μM), or a combination of both phytocannabinoids (1:1 ratio, 10:10 μM), prior to LPS/poly(I:C) exposure. TLR3 stimulation promoted the protein expression of the chemokine CXCL10 and the type I IFN-β in PBMCs from both cohorts. THC and CBD (delivered in 1:1 combination at 10 μM) attenuated TLR3-induced CXCL10 and IFN-β protein expression in PBMCs from pwMS and HCs, and this effect was not seen consistently when THC and CBD were delivered alone. In terms of LPS, TLR4 activation promoted TNF-α expression in PBMCs from both cohorts, and, interestingly, CBD when delivered alone at 10 μM, and in combination with THC (in 1:1 combination at 10 μM), exacerbated TLR4-induced TNF-α protein expression in PBMCs from pwMS and HCs. THC and CBD displayed no evidence of toxicity in primary PBMCs. No significant alteration in the relative expression of TLR3 and TLR4 mRNA, or components of the endocannabinoid system, including the cannabinoid receptor CB1 (encoded by CNR1 gene) and CB2 (encoded by CNR2 gene), and endocannabinoid metabolising enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL), was determined in PBMCs from pwMS versus HCs. Given their role in inflammation, TLRs are clinical targets, and data herein identify CBD and THC as TLR3 and TLR4 modulating drugs in primary immune cells in vitro. This offers insight on the cellular target(s) of phytocannabinoids in targeting inflammation in the context of MS.

Physical exercise effects on the brain during COVID-19 pandemic: links between mental and cardiovascular health

The current pandemic was caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The quarantine period during corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak might affect the quality of life leading thousands of individuals to diminish the daily caloric expenditure and mobility, leading to a sedentary behavior and increase the number of health disorders. Exercising is used as a non-pharmacological treatment in many chronic diseases. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of physical exercise in COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. We also point links between exercise, mental, and cardiovascular health. The infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 affects host cells binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2. If there is not enough oxygen supply the lungs and other tissues, such as the heart or brain, are affected. SARS-CoV-2 enhances ACE2 leading to inflammation and neuronal death with possible development of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Physical exercise also enhances the ACE2 expression. Conversely, the activation of ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas axis by physical exercise induces an antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect. Physical exercise has beneficial effects on mental health enhancing IGF-1, PI3K, BDNF, ERK, and reducing GSK3β levels. In addition, physical exercise enhances the activity of PGC-1α/ FNDC5/Irisin pathway leading to neuronal survival and the maintenance of a good mental health. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to elevation of ACE2 levels through pathological mechanisms that lead to neurological and cardiovascular complications, while the physiological response of ACE2 to physical exercise improves cardiovascular and mental health.

Combined exercise training improves cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients with cognitive impairment: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The effects of different exercise trainings on cognitive functions in patients with MS are promising. However, the effects are not yet clear in MS patients with cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combined exercise training on different cognitive functions in MS patients with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Relapsing-remitting and mild disabled MS patients with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to two groups: Exercise Group (EG, n:17) and the Control Group (CG, n:17). The EG received a combined exercise training consisting of aerobic and Pilates training in three sessions per week for 8 weeks while the CG performed the relaxation exercises at home. Cognitive functions, walking capacity, fatigue, mood, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks using the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N), Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54), respectively.

RESULTS

This study showed significant group-by-time interactions on long-term verbal memory, walking capacity, cognitive fatigue, and physical quality of life in favor of the EG (p<0.003). Moreover, verbal memory, visuospatial memory, verbal fluency, information processing speed, walking capacity, fatigue, and quality of life improved in the EG (p<0.05) while only verbal memory increased in the CG (p<0.05). Furthermore, the change in visuospatial memory was associated with the change in mental quality of life (r:0.352, p: 0.041) while the change in verbal fluency (r: -0.362, p:0.035) and processing speed (r: -0.356, p:0.039) were associated with the change in mood.

CONCLUSION

Combined exercise training has beneficial effects on different cognitive functions in mild disabled RRMS patients with cognitive impairment. In addition, there is a mutual relationship in improvements in cognitive functions, mood, and quality of life after exercise.

Treatment and management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

Cognitive impairment is a common and devastating manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although disease-modifying therapies have been efficacious for reducing relapse rates in MS, such treatments are ineffective for treating cognitive dysfunction. Alternative treatment approaches for mitigating cognitive problems are greatly needed in this population. To date, cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training have been identified as possible candidates for treating MS-related cognitive impairment; however, cognitive dysfunction is still often considered to be poorly managed in patients with MS. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the treatment and management of cognitive impairment in people with MS. We describe the theoretical rationales, current states of the science, field-wide challenges and recent advances in cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training for treating MS-related cognitive impairment. We also discuss future directions for research into the treatment of cognitive impairment in MS that should set the stage for the inclusion of cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training into clinical practice within the next decade.

Fatigue and Suicidal Ideation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Social Support

Fatigue and poor sleep quality are among the most common patient-reported problems associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Social support, on the other hand, is often found to be positively associated with quality of life in patients with neurological diseases. Studies also show that suicidal ideation (SI) levels in MS are elevated compared to the general population. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the associations between fatigue, social support, and SI in patients with MS. Out of 184 MS patients asked to participate in this cross-sectional study, 156 agreed (RR 69.8%; 75% female; mean age: 39.95 ± 9.97 years). Patients filled-in the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the subscale of the General Health Questionnaire-28 focused on assessing SI. Models were controlled for age, gender, disease duration, functional disability, and sleep quality. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. SI was positively associated with lower sleep quality and four types of fatigue: general, mental, reduced activity, and reduced motivation (p < 0.05). Physical fatigue was not significantly associated with SI. Social support was negatively associated with SI in all models. The final models under study explained from 24.3 to 29.7% of the total variance in SI. SI yielded associations with both sleep quality and fatigue, with the exception of physical fatigue. Information provided by physicians on sleep management, and a psychosocial intervention focused on people who provide support for patients with MS (family, friends, and significant others) may reduce levels of SI.

Combined upper limb and breathing exercise programme for pain management in ambulatory and non-ambulatory multiple sclerosis individuals: part II analyses from feasibility study

PURPOSE

The present small semi-controlled feasibility study investigated a possible efficacy of a combined upper limb and breathing exercise programme in managing pain in ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with EDSS from 0.0-8.0.

METHOD

People with MS (N = 19) were enrolled in this single-blind randomized controlled study and divided into 2 groups: exercise group (5 ambulatory, 5 non-ambulatory; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 1.0-8.0) and related control group that performed no exercise (4 ambulatory, 5 non-ambulatory; EDSS, 1.0-7.5). The exercise group performed combined upper limb and breathing exercises in a group led by a physiotherapist (2 days/week, 60 min/session) accompanied by independent home exercises (3 days/week, ≥ 20 min/session). Participants underwent measures of pain level (visual analogue scale) for physical pain, functional independence of daily activities (Barthel index) and handgrip strength (HGS) for dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) hand evaluated by a dynamometer before and after the 4-week period by the blinded assessor.

RESULTS

The VAS for pain showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction only in non-ambulatory (p = .049) individuals, but with large intervention effects on both subgroups (ambulatory, p = .159; non-ambulatory, d = 0.97). Functional independence in daily activities (Barthel index) showed statistically non-significant group-by-time interaction in ambulatory (p = .195, d = 0.89) and non-ambulatory (p = .102, d = 1.64) individuals, but despite the absence of statistical significance, there were large intervention effects. Handgrip strength was significantly improved for both hands in ambulatory (D, p = .012; d = 2.07; ND, p = .025, d = 1.77) and only non-dominant hand in non-ambulatory individuals (D, p = .288, d = 0.83; ND, p = .012, d = 2.21).

CONCLUSION

This small pilot study provides preliminary proof-of-concept data supporting low-intensity upper limb and breathing exercise programme for potential reduction of pain and improvement of functional independence in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals with MS in a larger sample and that strengthening the upper limbs might be an additional pain relief mechanism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NTC03222596.

Cycle ergometer training enhances plasma interleukin-10 in multiple sclerosis

The objective was to determine plasma levels of pro- (IL-12p70/IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines before and after cycle ergometer training in healthy control (HC) and people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), and to correlate plasma cytokines with physical/mental health. Study participants cycled for 30 min at 65-75% age-predicted maximal heart rate, twice a week for 8 weeks during supervised sessions. We determined that plasma IL-10 expression was lower in pwMS, compared to HCs, and that exercise augmented IL-10 in pwMS to baseline levels in HCs. Furthermore, plasma isolated from pwMS displayed enhanced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70/IL-6. Plasma cytokine signatures correlated with physical/mental health. Overall, this study highlights the potential of a short-term exercise programme to regulate circulating cytokine profiles with relevance to pwMS.

Will behavioral treatments for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis become standards-of-care?

Cognitive impairment is common and debilitating in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and further is poorly-managed by pharmacotherapy. Cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training have been identified as promising behavioral approaches for managing MS-related cognitive impairment based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, each body of literature is associated with similar sets of methodological shortcomings, as has been identified by periodic systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Thus, there is little generalizability or transportability research supporting either behavioral approach for managing cognitive dysfunction in this population under real-world conditions (i.e., as a standard-of-care). To that end, this paper aims to catalyze the advancement of cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training research in MS, respectively, towards the successful implementation of generalizability/transportability trials. This first involves critical examinations of the respective cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training literatures in MS from a chronological perspective, with particular emphasis on how the fields have each evolved in response to systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Accordingly, the current paper then provides a roadmap for harmonizing research in those areas to systematically and efficiently inform the development of generalizability/transportability trials for behavioral approaches to manage MS-related cognitive dysfunction. This involves the recognition of overlapping facilitators and impediments for progress in each field, including considerations for the implementation of neuroimaging. Ultimately, the provision of such a framework aims to shorten the timeline for research to influence clinical practice and improve the lives of cognitively-impaired persons with MS.

Exploring the feasibility of a mild and short 4-week combined upper limb and breathing exercise program as a possible home base program to decrease fatigue and improve quality of life in ambulatory and non-ambulatory multiple sclerosis individuals

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of a combined upper limb and breathing exercise for a home-based program and to explore its effect on primary fatigue and quality of life in ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a short time.

METHOD

Nineteen individuals with MS were assigned into semi-controlled pre-post feasibility study based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) status and divided into two groups: exercise (five ambulatory, five non-ambulatory; EDSS 1.0-8.0) and related control with no exercise (four ambulatory, five non-ambulatory; EDSS 1.0-7.5). Exercise group performed combined upper limb and breathing exercise in a controlled group (2 days/week, 60 min/session) accompanied by independent home exercise (3 days/week, ≥ 20 min/session). Participants underwent measures of fatigue impact (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and quality of life (RAND Medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36)) before and after a 4-week period.

RESULTS

The MFIS (physical, psychosocial, total) showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction in ambulatory (p = 0.033, d = 1.60; p = 0.039, d = 1.59; p = 0.033, d = 1.62) and non-ambulatory individuals (p = 0.009, d = 2.42; p = 0.018, d = 1.96; p = 0.0008, d = 3.92). Physical functioning (SF-36) showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction in ambulatory (p = 0.014, d = 2.14) but no significance in non-ambulatory (p = 0.368, d = 0.68) individuals. Despite the absent statistical significance, there were large intervention effects on MFIS cognitive scores for ambulatory (d = 1.28) and non-ambulatory (d = 1.47), and on other SF-36 scores for ambulatory (general health: d = 1.76 and pain: d = 1.02) and non-ambulatory (physical limitation: d = 1.03 and emotional well-being: d = 0.94) individuals.

CONCLUSION

Our 4-week program reduced some aspects of fatigue and improved some aspects of quality of life in a small group of ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals with MS. Good feasibility and significant positive changes from baseline warrant further exploratory work.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Name of the registry: The Impact of Exercise Training on Living Quality in Multiple Sclerosis. Registration: The study was registered at www.clinicaltrial.gov on July 14, 2017. First participant enrollment: August 28, 2017. URL: 602-01/17-01-147; Trial registration ID: NTC03222596.

Short-term interval aerobic exercise 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 multiple sclerosis.

Objective and Methods

This randomized controlled trial with 34 patients in the intervention group (IG) (mean: 38.2 years (±9.6)) and 34 patients in the control group (CG) (mean: 39.6 years (±9.7)) aimed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The primary outcome was verbal learning assessed by the verbal learning and memory test (VLMT). Patients were randomized to an IG or a waitlist CG. Patients in the IG exercised according to an individually tailored training schedule (with two to three 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

A total of 77 patients with RRMS 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 expanded disability status scale 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 (NCT02005237).

The subtleties of cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis: an exploratory study using hierarchichal cluster analysis of CANTAB results

Background

It is essential to investigate cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) to develop evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Here we refined cognitive decline assessment using the automated tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Methods

We searched for groups of distinct cognitive profiles in 35 relapsing-remitting MS outpatients and 32 healthy controls. All individuals participated in an automated assessment (CANTAB) and in a pencil and paper general neuropsychological evaluation.

Results

Hierarchical cluster analysis of the CANTAB results revealed two distinct groups of patients based mainly on the Simple Reaction Time (RTI) and on the Mean Latency of Rapid Visual Processing (RVP). The general neuropsychological assessment did not show any statistically significant differences between the cluster groups. Compared to the healthy control group, all MS outpatients had lower scores for RTI, RVP, paired associate learning, and delayed matching to sample. We also analyzed the associations between CANTAB results and age, education, sex, pharmacological treatment, physical activity, employment status, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Although limited by the small number of observations, our findings suggest a weak correlation between performance on the CANTAB and age, education, and EDSS scores.

Conclusions

We suggest that the use of selected large-scale automated visuospatial tests from the CANTAB in combination with multivariate statistical analyses may reveal subtle and earlier changes in information processing speed and cognition. This may expand our ability to define the limits between normal and impaired cognition in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1141-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.