Combined Exercise Training in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The Effect of Combined Exercise Training on Cognitive Functions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

It is stated that the affected cognitive functions in Multiple Sclerosis are learning, memory, attention, speed of information processing, visuospatial skills, and executive functions. The speed of information processing, visual learning and memory are the most frequently affected components in MS. For this reason, approaches to increase cognitive functions by activating neuroprotective mechanisms such as exercise in patients with MS are needed.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of combined exercise training on cognitive functions in patients with MS.

The study was designed as a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial. This study will include patients with MS who 0-5.5 according to the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and between 18-65 years. The patient will be randomized into a combined training group and a control group. The patients in the control group will not apply an exercise training. The combined exercise training group will be given combined exercise training, consisting of Pilates and aerobic exercise, three times during 8 weeks. Both groups will be reevaluated 8 weeks after the initial assessment.

Statistical analyses will be performed using the SPSS software version 15 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). The pre-training and post-training measurements of groups will be compared with the Wilcoxon Test. The significance level was set at p< 0.05.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ambulatory
• Stable phase of the disease without relapses in the last 3 month
• EDSS between 2-5,5.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthopedic, vision, hearing, or perception problems
• Any cardiovascular or pulmonary disease in which exercise is contraindicated