Multiple Sclerosis: associated cardiometabolic risks and impact of exercise therapy

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by complex heterogeneous symptoms, which often leads to a more sedentary lifestyle. This lifestyle increases the likelihood to develop secondary health problems, like cardiometabolic risk (CMR) profile. However, in other population these secondary health problems can be, partly, reversed by exercise therapy. We hypothesized that MS affects the CMR profile, but the outcome can be reversed following exercise therapy. Persons with MS and matched healthy controls (HC) were screened to assess their CMR profile, as well as left ventricular (LV) function and exercise tolerance. Based on their CMR profile, MS patients were selected for the intervention study and were randomized to an exercise group or a non-exercise group. Baseline screening revealed that MS patients have a higher CMR profile compared to HC, due to IGT and elevated blood pressure. Furthermore, we observed an increased prevalence of LV dysfunction in MS patients and lowered endurance capacity. However, no significant changes were observed in CMR profile, or LV function after the 12 weeks of training in the exercise group, compared to baseline. In contrast, exercise tolerance in the exercise group did change. MS seems to negatively influence the CMR profile, LV function, as well as exercise tolerance. However, the increased CMR risk could not be improved following 12 weeks of exercise training.