Sport Sciences for Health
pp 1–9 |
High-intensity interval ergometer training improves aerobic capacity and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors
Marc Wonneberger, Stephan Schmidt
First Online: 29 March 2019
Abstract
Background
Moderate endurance training leads to a significant improvement of aerobic fitness and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have not systematically investigated.
Aim
To determine the effects of short-term HIIT on aerobic fitness and fatigue in MS patients.
Design
Prospective monocentric, randomized, simple blinded cohort study.
Settings
Participants exercised for 8 weeks on a bicycle ergometer three times weekly for 8 weeks.
Population
Forty patients with relapsing–remitting MS and an extended disability status score (EDSS) of < 3.5 participated.
Methods
For 8 weeks, participants exercised three times weekly for 30 min according to two different protocols (HIIT versus moderate endurance training). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Individual aerobic fitness (VO2peak) was assessed via a stepwise ramp protocol, fatigue by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and ambulation was measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25-FW). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach.
Results
Aerobic fitness increased significantly in the HIIT group (pre: 26.7 ± 6.1, post: 29.7 ± 6.6 ml/min/kg; p < 0.04). No changes with regard to FSS and T25FW were detected in both groups. However, sub-group analysis revealed a significant decrease of fatigue in patients with elevated baseline fatigue (pre: 5.00 ± 0.7, post: 4.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.03).
Conclusions
HIIT is a promising time-efficient approach in subjects with MS leading to rapid improvement of aerobic fitness.
---------------
Abbreviations
HIIT
High-intensity interval training
MS
Multiple sclerosis
EDSS
Extended disability status score
FSS
Fatigue Severity Scale
T25-FW
Timed 25-foot walk Test
ITT
Intention-to-treat
VO2max
Maximum aerobic capacity
MT
Moderate training
pp 1–9 |
High-intensity interval ergometer training improves aerobic capacity and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors
Marc Wonneberger, Stephan Schmidt
First Online: 29 March 2019
Abstract
Background
Moderate endurance training leads to a significant improvement of aerobic fitness and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have not systematically investigated.
Aim
To determine the effects of short-term HIIT on aerobic fitness and fatigue in MS patients.
Design
Prospective monocentric, randomized, simple blinded cohort study.
Settings
Participants exercised for 8 weeks on a bicycle ergometer three times weekly for 8 weeks.
Population
Forty patients with relapsing–remitting MS and an extended disability status score (EDSS) of < 3.5 participated.
Methods
For 8 weeks, participants exercised three times weekly for 30 min according to two different protocols (HIIT versus moderate endurance training). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Individual aerobic fitness (VO2peak) was assessed via a stepwise ramp protocol, fatigue by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and ambulation was measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25-FW). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach.
Results
Aerobic fitness increased significantly in the HIIT group (pre: 26.7 ± 6.1, post: 29.7 ± 6.6 ml/min/kg; p < 0.04). No changes with regard to FSS and T25FW were detected in both groups. However, sub-group analysis revealed a significant decrease of fatigue in patients with elevated baseline fatigue (pre: 5.00 ± 0.7, post: 4.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.03).
Conclusions
HIIT is a promising time-efficient approach in subjects with MS leading to rapid improvement of aerobic fitness.
---------------
Abbreviations
HIIT
High-intensity interval training
MS
Multiple sclerosis
EDSS
Extended disability status score
FSS
Fatigue Severity Scale
T25-FW
Timed 25-foot walk Test
ITT
Intention-to-treat
VO2max
Maximum aerobic capacity
MT
Moderate training