Effects of a 6-month exercise program on patients with multiple sclerosis -: A randomized study

Objective: To improve walking and other aspects of physical function with a progressive 6-month exercise program in patients with multiple sclerosis ( MS). Methods: MS patients with mild to moderate disability ( Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 1.0 to 5.5) were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The intervention consisted of strength and aerobic training initiated during 3-week inpatient rehabilitation and continued for 23 weeks at home. The groups were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome was walking speed, measured by 7.62 m and 500 m walk tests. Secondary outcomes included lower extremity strength, upper extremity endurance and dexterity, peak oxygen uptake, and static balance. An intention-to-treat analysis was used. Results: Ninety-one (96%) of the 95 patients entering the study completed it. Change between groups was significant in the 7.62 m ( p = 0.04) and 500 m walk tests ( p = 0.01). In the 7.62 m walk test, 22% of the exercising patients showed clinically meaningful improvements. The exercise group also showed increased upper extremity endurance as compared to controls. No other noteworthy exercise-induced changes were observed. Exercise adherence varied considerably among the exercisers. Conclusions: Walking speed improved in this randomized study. The results confirm that exercise is safe for multiple sclerosis patients and should be recommended for those with mild to moderate disability.