The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Gait, Balance, and Cognitive Functions in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT): Cycle ergometer-based exercise, twice weekly for 8 weeks. Starting intensity at 60% of peak workload, progressing to 80%. Each session includes 5-min warm-up, 20-30 min continuous exercise, and 5-min cool-down, followed by 30-min individualized physiotherapy program.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Cycle ergometer-based exercise, twice weekly for 8 weeks. Each session includes 5-min warm-up (40% peak workload), 10 × 1-min intervals at 90% peak workload with 1-min active recovery (60% peak workload) between each interval, and 5-min cool-down. Total aerobic exercise duration: \~20 min, followed by 30-min individualized physiotherapy program.

Study summary

This study aims to comparatively investigate the effects of low-volume High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on gait, balance, cognitive functions, and neurovascular biomarkers (BDNF, VEGF) in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) — Baseline and 8 weeks
  Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Participants are asked to rise from a standard chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down as fast as safely possible. Measured in seconds. Lower values indicate better functional mobility and balance.

Trial sites (1)

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