EFFECTS OF AEROBIC AND RESISTANCE TRAINING ON IMMUNE FUNCTION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Aerobic and Progressive Resistance Exercise Program: A structured, supervised exercise program consisting of both aerobic and progressive strengthening (resistance) exercises. Aerobic exercises will include continuous, rhythmic activities involving large muscle groups (e.g., cycle ergometry, walking). Progressive resistance training will target major muscle groups, typically utilizing an intensity ranging from 60% to 80% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The duration, frequency, and total weeks of the program will be identical for both exercise arms.

Standard Care (in control arm): Participants in this arm will maintain their current routine medical follow-ups and standard daily life activities. They will not participate in any structured or supervised physical exercise program during the study period.

Study summary

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative central nervous system disorder characterized by axonal damage. This damage leads to various debilitating symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, balance loss, and cognitive decline. While reductions in aerobic capacity and muscle strength are secondary manifestations of MS, physical exercise serves as a crucial therapeutic strategy to manage symptoms and optimize functionality.

Rationale: Aerobic exercise exerts anti-inflammatory effects by reducing adipose tissue mass, promoting anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, and downregulating toll-like receptors. It also modulates the altered T-helper cytokine balance in MS (characterized by elevated proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and decreased anti-inflammatory IL-10), potentially slowing myelin destruction. Concurrently, progressive resistance training (typically at 60%-80% of maximum voluntary contraction) has been shown to improve muscle strength and reduce perceived fatigue in this population. However, data regarding the specific impacts of these exercise modalities on the immune system remain limited.

Objective:The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate and compare the effects of AEROBIC AND STRENGTHENING (RESISTANCE) EXERCISES ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM PARAMETERS (SPECIFICALLY CYTOKINE PROFILES) AND OVERALL FUNCTIONALITY IN INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• CHANGE FROM BASELINE IN SERUM PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE LEVELS — Baseline and Post-intervention (e.g., Week 8)
  Circulating serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines-specifically Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-17 (IL-17), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)-will be analyzed via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the exercise program.

Trial sites (1)

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