Exercise as a Strategy to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Exercise as a Strategy to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Many persons with Multiple Sclerosis ( MS) have problems with memory and thinking.Exercise has been shown to improve memory and thinking in persons with diseases such as Alzheimer's. This study will investigate whether a program of aerobic exercise can improve memory and thinking in persons with MS

Persons with Multiple Sclerosis(MS)will be screened for eligibility and randomized to a protocol with two intervention arms. One group will have aerobic training on a recumbent cross trainer three times a week for 20-30 minutes/session. The other group will participate in stretching exercises at the same frequency and intensity.Total training time will be six months.Outcome measures will include tests of memory and thinking, and fitness measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical Diagnosis of MS Complaints of cognitive problems Able to ride a recumbent cross trainer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiopulmonary or structural disease that would limit ability to participate in exercise training On treatment with chemotherapy or natalizumab Screening score of >50 on PASAT