A head-to-head comparison of the effects of aerobic versus resistance training on physical capacity and physical function in people with multiple sclerosis: Results from the MSBOOST trial

Abstract

Background:

Exercise is a safe and effective way to improve physical function in people with multiple sclerosis (PWMS).

Objectives:

This study aimed to perform a head-to-head study of the effects of aerobic and resistance training on physical capacity and physical function.

Methods:

A multicentre randomized controlled trial with 150 participants was conducted. Participants were randomized into 12 weeks of either aerobic training (AT; n = 62), resistance training (RT; n = 57), or usual care (UC; n = 31). The primary outcome was physical function (measured as a composite score of the 6-minute walk test and five-time sit-to-stand). Secondary outcomes were aerobic capacity (VO₂peak), maximal muscle strength (MVC), and self-reported walking ability.

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 45.5 (8.8), an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of 2.8 (1.5), and 75% were female. Physical function did not increase in AT versus UC 0.08 [−0.16; 0.33] (mean (95% CI)) nor in RT versus UC 0.09 [−0.15; 0.34].VO₂peak increased in AT versus UC by 4.1 [2.0; 6.3] mL O₂/min/kg and in AT versus RT by 2.7 [1.1; 4.3], but not in RT versus UC 1.4 [−0.6; 3.5]. MVC increased in RT versus UC by 0.25 [0.01; 0.48] Nm/kg, but not in RT versus AT 0.17 [−0.02; 0.36] or AT versus UC 0.08 [−0.16; 0.31]).

Conclusion:

AT and RT elicited improvements in physical capacity in PWMS. However, these improvements only moderately translated into improvements in physical function.

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04913012)

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04913012