MRI studies show MS patients benefit from aerobic exercise

A recently published study from Dr J  Sumowski’s group at the Kessler Foundation in NJ USA, provides the first evidence for beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on brain and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study’s participants were MS patients with memory deficits who were randomized to non-aerobic (stretching) and aerobic (stationary cycling) conditions. Data were collected by high-resolution MRI (neuroanatomical volumes), fMRI (functional connectivity), and memory assessment. Hippocampal atrophy seen in MS is linked to the memory deficits that affect approximately 50% of individuals with MS.  “Aerobic exercise may be the first effective treatment for MS patients with memory problems,” noted Dr. Leavitt, research scientist at Kessler Foundation. Baseline and follow-up measurements were recorded before and after the treatment protocol of 30-minute exercise sessions 3 times per week for 3 months.. Aerobic exercise resulted in a 16.5% increase in hippocampal volume, a 53.7% increase in memory, and increased hippocampal resting-state functional connectivity. Non-aerobic exercise resulted in minimal change in hippocampal volume and no changes in memory or functional connectivity. No beneficial effects were seen with non-aerobic exercise. a 16.5% increase in hippocampal volume, a 53.7% increase in memory, and increased hippocampal resting-state functional connectivity. Non-aerobic exercise resulted in minimal change in hippocampal volume and no changes in memory or functional connectivity. No beneficial effects were seen with non-aerobic exercise.

http://tinyurl.com/Leavitt-et-al-paper