Impact of a high intensity training program on glucose tolerance in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Abstract Background: Recent research reported a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in MS patients than in healthy people. The influence of high intensity exercise on IGT in MS was never investigated before.

Objective: To investigate the effect of high intensity aerobic interval (HIIT) or continuous endurance (CT) training, both in combination with resistance training, on glucose tolerance muscle strength and body composition.

Methods: 34 subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n=11), to a group who received a combined cardiovascular and resistance training program (n=11) or to a group who received a combined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training program (n=12). At baseline and after 12 weeks, glucose tolerance was measured using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and the DEXA was used to measure body composition.

Results: A significant decrease of glucose concentration was seen in both groups. Furthermore, muscle strength and body composition improved in both exercise groups, whereas all outcome measures remained stable in the sedentary control group.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of high intensity aerobic exercise in combination with resistance training was safe and well tolerated and induced changes in glucose tolerance in MS patients.