Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The effect of exercise on cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

A growing body of research examining the effect of exercise on cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), while findings of available studies were conflicting. We aimed to explore the effect of exercise on cognitive function in MS patients.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Scopus electronic databases, through July 18, 2022. Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature.

Results

Twenty-one studies with a total of 23 experimental groups and 21 control groups met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant effect of exercise on improving cognitive function in MS patients, while the effect size was small (Cohen's d = 0.20, 95% CI 0.06–0.34, p < 0.001, I2 = 39.31%). Subgroup analysis showed that exercise significantly improved memory (Cohen's d = 0.17, 95% CI 0.02–0.33, p = 0.03, I2 = 7.59%). In addition, multicomponent training, exercise conducted 8 weeks and 10 weeks, up to 60 min per session, 3 times or more per week, 180 min or more per week increased cognitive function significantly. Furthermore, a worse basal MS status (defined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and an older age were associated with greater improvement in cognitive function.

Conclusion

MS patients are recommended to participate in at least three multicomponent training sessions per week, with each session lasting up to 60 min, and the exercise goal of 180 min per week can be achieved by increasing the frequency of exercise. Exercise lasting 8 or 10 weeks is best for cognitive function improvement. Additionally, a worse basal MS status, or the older the age, the greater effect on cognitive function.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  1. Rodríguez Murúa S, Farez MF, Quintana FJ (2022) The immune response in multiple sclerosis. Annu Rev Pathol 17:121–139. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pathol-052920-040318

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bhargava P, Hartung HP, Calabresi PA (2022) Contribution of B cells to cortical damage in multiple sclerosis. Brain 145(10):3363–3373. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac233

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Carotenuto A, Cacciaguerra L, Pagani E, Preziosa P, Filippi M, Rocca MA (2022) Glymphatic system impairment in multiple sclerosis: relation with brain damage and disability. Brain 145(8):2785–2795. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab454

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. De Meo E, Portaccio E, Giorgio A, Ruano L, Goretti B, Niccolai C, Patti F, Chisari CG, Gallo P, Grossi P, Ghezzi A, Roscio M, Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Simone M, Viterbo RG, Bonacchi R, Rocca MA, De Stefano N, Filippi M, Amato MP (2021) Identifying the distinct cognitive phenotypes in multiple sclerosis. JAMA Neurol 78(4):414–425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.4920

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Benedict RHB, Amato MP, DeLuca J, Geurts JJG (2020) Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: clinical management, MRI, and therapeutic avenues. Lancet Neurol 19(10):860–871. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30277-5

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Petajan JH, White AT (1999) Recommendations for physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Sports Med 27(3):179–191. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199927030-00004

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Gutierrez GM, Chow JW, Tillman MD, McCoy SC, Castellano V, White LJ (2005) Resistance training improves gait kinematics in persons with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 86(9):1824–1829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2005.04.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Halabchi F, Alizadeh Z, Sahraian MA, Abolhasani M (2017) Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendations. BMC Neurol 17(1):185. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-017-0960-9

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Ozkul C, Guclu-Gunduz A, Eldemir K, Apaydin Y, Yazici G, Irkec C (2020) Combined exercise training improves cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients with cognitive impairment: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 45:102419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2020.102419

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Sandroff BM, Wylie GR, Sutton BP, Johnson CL, DeLuca J, Motl RW (2018) Treadmill walking exercise training and brain function in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence setting the stage for a network-based approach to rehabilitation. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 4(1):2055217318760641. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055217318760641

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Sandroff BM, Klaren RE, Pilutti LA, Dlugonski D, Benedict RH, Motl RW (2014) Randomized controlled trial of physical activity, cognition, and walking in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 261(2):363–372. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-013-7204-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Sandroff BM, Johnson CL, Motl RW (2017) Exercise training effects on memory and hippocampal viscoelasticity in multiple sclerosis: a novel application of magnetic resonance elastography. Neuroradiology 59(1):61–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-016-1767-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Savšek L, Stergar T, Strojnik V, Ihan A, Koren A, Špiclin Ž, ŠegaJazbec S (2021) Impact of aerobic exercise on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in persons with multiple sclerosis: an exploratory randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med 53(4):178. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2814

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Langeskov-Christensen M, Hvid LG, Jensen HB, Nielsen HH, Petersen T, Stenager E, Hämäläinen P, Dalgas U (2021) Efficacy of high-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Mult Scler 27(10):1585–1596. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458520973619

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Ozkul C, Guclu-Gunduz A, Eldemir K, Apaydin Y, Gulsen C, Yazici G, Soke F, Irkec C (2020) Effect of task-oriented circuit training on motor and cognitive performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation 46(3):343–353. https://doi.org/10.3233/nre-203029

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Kooshiar H, Moshtagh M, Sardar MA, Foroughipour M, Shakeri MT, Vahdatinia B (2015) Fatigue and quality of life of women with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 55(6):668–674

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Higgins J, Green S (2011) Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews for interventions, version 5.1.0. Wiley-Blackwell, New York

    Google Scholar 

  18. Moher D, Shamseer L, Clarke M, Ghersi D, Liberati A, Petticrew M, Shekelle P, Stewart LA (2015) Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Syst Rev 4(1):1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-4-1

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. You Q, Yu L, Li G, He H, Lv Y (2022) Effects of different intensities and durations of aerobic exercise on vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and elderly people: a meta-analysis. Front Physiol 12:803102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.803102

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Tao X, Chen Y, Zhen K, Ren S, Lv Y, Yu L (2023) Effect of continuous aerobic exercise on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Physiol 14:1043108. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1043108

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Viechtbauer W (2010) Conducting meta-analyses in R with the metafor package. J Stat Softw 36(3):1–48. https://doi.org/10.18637/jss.v036.i03

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Assink M, Wibbelink CJ (2016) Fitting three-level meta-analytic models in R: a step-by-step tutorial. Quant Methods Psychol 12(3):154–174. https://doi.org/10.20982/tqmp.12.3.p154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Zhen K, Zhang S, Tao X, Li G, Lv Y, Yu L (2022) A systematic review and meta-analysis on effects of aerobic exercise in people with Parkinson’s disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 8(1):146. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-022-00418-4

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Li G, Lv Y, Su Q, You Q, Yu L (2022) The effect of aerobic exercise on pulse wave velocity in middle-aged and elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Cardiovasc Med 9:960096. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.960096

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Firth J, Stubbs B, Rosenbaum S, Vancampfort D, Malchow B, Schuch F, Elliott R, Nuechterlein KH, Yung AR (2017) Aerobic exercise improves cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Bull 43(3):546–556. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbw115

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L (2008) Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3:5381. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Shariat A, Ingle L, Cleland JA, Cleland JA, Kargarfard M (2017) Randomized controlled trial to examine the impact of aquatic exercise training on functional capacity, balance, and perceptions of fatigue in female patients with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 99(2):234–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.06.015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Team RC (2011) R: A language and environment for statistical computing. Computing 1:12–21. https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(2002)083[3097:CFHIWS]2.0.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Sandroff BM, Bollaert RE, Pilutti LA, Peterson ML, Baynard T, Fernhall B, McAuley E, Motl RW (2017) Multimodal exercise training in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial in persons with substantial mobility disability. Contemp Clin Trials 61:39–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2017.07.016

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Sandroff BM, Balto JM, Klaren RE, Sommer SK, DeLuca J, Motl RW (2016) Systematically developed pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise and cognition in persons with multiple sclerosis. Neurocase 22(5):443–450. https://doi.org/10.1080/13554794.2016.1237658

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Ozdogar AT, Ertekin O, Kahraman T, Yigit P, Ozakbas S (2020) Effect of video-based exergaming on arm and cognitive function in persons with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 40:101966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2020.101966

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Oken BS, Kishiyama S, Zajdel D, Bourdette D, Carlsen J, Haas M, Hugos C, Kraemer DF, Lawrence J, Mass M (2004) Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 62(11):2058–2064. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000129534.88602.5c

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Jeong IC, Karpatkin H, Finkelstein J (2021) Physical telerehabilitation improves quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. Stud Health Technol Inform 284:384–388. https://doi.org/10.3233/shti210752

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Feys P, Moumdjian L, Van Halewyck F, Wens I, Eijnde BO, Van Wijmeersch B, Popescu V, Van Asch P (2019) Effects of an individual 12-week community-located “start-to-run” program on physical capacity, walking, fatigue, cognitive function, brain volumes, and structures in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 25(1):92–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458517740211

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Carter A, Daley A, Humphreys L, Snowdon N, Woodroofe N, Petty J, Roalfe A, Tosh J, Sharrack B, Saxton JM (2014) Pragmatic intervention for increasing self-directed exercise behaviour and improving important health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial. Multi Scler (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 20(8):1112–1122. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458513519354

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Bilek F, Cetisli-Korkmaz N, Ercan Z, Deniz G, Demir CF (2022) Aerobic exercise increases irisin serum levels and improves depression and fatigue in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Multi Scler Relat Disord 61:103742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.103742

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Baquet L, Hasselmann H, Patra S, Stellmann JP, Vettorazzi E, Engel AK, Rosenkranz SC, Poettgen J, Gold SM, Schulz KH, Heesen C (2018) Short-term interval aerobic exercise training does not improve memory functioning in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis-a randomized controlled trial. PeerJ 6:e6037. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6037

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Backus D, Moldavskiy M, Sweatman WM (2020) Effects of functional electrical stimulation cycling on fatigue and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis who are nonambulatory. Int J MS Care 22(4):193–200. https://doi.org/10.7224/1537-2073.2019-101

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Andreu-Caravaca L, Ramos-Campo DJ, Chung LH, Manonelles P, Boas JPV, Rubio-Arias JÁ (2022) Fast-velocity resistance training improves force development and mobility in multiple sclerosis. Int J Sports Med 43(7):593–599. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1710-1492

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Hoang P, Schoene D, Gandevia S, Smith S, Lord SR (2016) Effects of a home-based step training programme on balance, stepping, cognition and functional performance in people with multiple sclerosis–a randomized controlled trial. Mult Scler 22(1):94–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458515579442

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kjølhede T, Siemonsen S, Wenzel D, Stellmann JP, Ringgaard S, Pedersen BG, Stenager E, Petersen T, Vissing K, Heesen C, Dalgas U (2018) Can resistance training impact MRI outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? Mult Scler 24(10):1356–1365. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458517722645

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Sebastião E, McAuley E, Shigematsu R, Adamson BC, Bollaert RE, Motl RW (2018) Home-based, square-stepping exercise program among older adults with multiple sclerosis: results of a feasibility randomized controlled study. Contemp Clin Trials 73:136–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2018.09.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Romberg A, Virtanen A, Ruutiainen J (2005) Long-term exercise improves functional impairment but not quality of life in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 252(7):839–845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-005-0759-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Zhao JG, Zeng XT, Wang J, Liu L (2017) Association between calcium or vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 318(24):2466–2482. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.19344

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Sandroff BM, Wylie GR, Johnson CL, Sutton BP, Deluca J, Motl RW (2016) Treadmill walking exercise training effects on processing speed and thalamic resting-state functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Mult Scler J 22:398–398. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458516663081

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Proschinger S, Joisten N, Rademacher A, Schlagheck ML, Walzik D, Metcalfe AJ, Oberste M, Warnke C, Bloch W, Schenk A, Bansi J, Zimmer P (2019) Influence of combined functional resistance and endurance exercise over 12 weeks on matrix metalloproteinase-2 serum concentration in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis-a community-based randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurol 19(1):314. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-019-1544-7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Laurin D, Verreault R, Lindsay J, MacPherson K, Rockwood K (2001) Physical activity and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly persons. Arch Neurol 58(3):498–504. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.58.3.498

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. van Praag H, Christie BR, Sejnowski TJ, Gage FH (1999) Running enhances neurogenesis, learning, and long-term potentiation in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96(23):13427–13431. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.96.23.13427

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Rasmussen P, Brassard P, Adser H, Pedersen MV, Leick L, Hart E, Secher NH, Pedersen BK, Pilegaard H (2009) Evidence for a release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from the brain during exercise. Exp Physiol 94(10):1062–1069. https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.2009.048512

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. De la Rosa A, Solana E, Corpas R, Bartrés-Faz D, Pallàs M, Vina J, Sanfeliu C, Gomez-Cabrera MC (2019) Long-term exercise training improves memory in middle-aged men and modulates peripheral levels of BDNF and Cathepsin B. Sci Rep 9(1):3337. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-40040-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Colcombe SJ, Erickson KI, Scalf PE, Kim JS, Prakash R, McAuley E, Elavsky S, Marquez DX, Hu L, Kramer AF (2006) Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 61(11):1166–1170. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/61.11.1166

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Herting MM, Nagel BJ (2012) Aerobic fitness relates to learning on a virtual Morris water task and hippocampal volume in adolescents. Behav Brain Res 233(2):517–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2012.05.012

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Landrigan JF, Bell T, Crowe M, Clay OJ, Mirman D (2020) Lifting cognition: a meta-analysis of effects of resistance exercise on cognition. Psychol Res 84(5):1167–1183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-019-01145-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Markun S, Gravestock I, Jäger L, Rosemann T, Pichierri G, Burgstaller JM (2021) Effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fatigue: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030923

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Gharakhanlou R, Wesselmann L, Rademacher A, Lampit A, Negaresh R, Kaviani M, Oberste M, Motl RW, Sandroff BM, Bansi J, Baker JS, Heesen C, Zimmer P, Javelle F (2021) Exercise training and cognitive performance in persons with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of clinical trials. Mult Scler 27(13):1977–1993. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458520917935

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Hötting K, Holzschneider K, Stenzel A, Wolbers T, Röder B (2013) Effects of a cognitive training on spatial learning and associated functional brain activations. BMC Neurosci 14:73. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2202-14-73

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Hötting K, Röder B (2013) Beneficial effects of physical exercise on neuroplasticity and cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 37(9):2243–2257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. van Praag H, Kempermann G, Gage FH (2000) Neural consequences of environmental enrichment. Nat Rev Neurosci 1(3):191–198. https://doi.org/10.1038/35044558

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Zhang S, Zhen K, Su Q, Chen Y, Lv Y, Yu L (2022) The effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19(23):15700. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315700

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  60. Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, Anker SD, Aprahamian I, Arai H, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Bernabei R, Cadore EL, Cesari M, Chen LK, de Souto BP, Duque G, Ferrucci L, Fielding RA, García-Hermoso A, Gutiérrez-Robledo LM, Harridge SDR, Kirk B, Kritchevsky S, Landi F, Lazarus N, Martin FC, Marzetti E, Pahor M, Ramírez-Vélez R, Rodriguez-Mañas L, Rolland Y, Ruiz JG, Theou O, Villareal DT, Waters DL, Won Won C, Woo J, Vellas B, Fiatarone Singh M (2021) International exercise recommendations in older adults (ICFSR): expert consensus guidelines. J Nutr Health Aging 25(7):824–853. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1665-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Cai Z, Wang X, Yin J, Song D, Chen Z (2021) Effects of physical exercise on working memory in older adults: a systematic and meta-analytic review. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 18(1):18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-021-00272-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Northey JM, Cherbuin N, Pumpa KL, Smee DJ, Rattray B (2018) Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 52(3):154–160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096587

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Chen FT, Etnier JL, Wu CH, Cho YM, Hung TM, Chang YK (2018) Dose-response relationship between exercise duration and executive function in older adults. J Clin Med 7(9):279. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7090279

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  64. Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, Carty C, Chaput JP, Chastin S, Chou R, Dempsey PC, DiPietro L, Ekelund U, Firth J, Friedenreich CM, Garcia L, Gichu M, Jago R, Katzmarzyk PT, Lambert E, Leitzmann M, Milton K, Ortega FB, Ranasinghe C, Stamatakis E, Tiedemann A, Troiano RP, van der Ploeg HP, Wari V, Willumsen JF (2020) World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med 54(24):1451–1462. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Groot C, Hooghiemstra AM, Raijmakers PG, van Berckel BN, Scheltens P, Scherder EJ, van der Flier WM, Ossenkoppele R (2016) The effect of physical activity on cognitive function in patients with dementia: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Ageing Res Rev 25:13–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2015.11.005

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Meyer-Moock S, Feng YS, Maeurer M, Dippel FW, Kohlmann T (2014) Systematic literature review and validity evaluation of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and the multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) in patients with multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurol 14:58. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-14-58

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  67. Kurtzke JF (1983) Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology 33(11):1444–1452. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.33.11.1444

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Venturelli M, Scarsini R, Schena F (2011) Six-month walking program changes cognitive and ADL performance in patients with Alzheimer. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 26(5):381–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317511418956

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Hedden T, Gabrieli JD (2004) Insights into the ageing mind: a view from cognitive neuroscience. Nat Rev Neurosci 5(2):87–96. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1323

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Sofi F, Valecchi D, Bacci D, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A, Macchi C (2011) Physical activity and risk of cognitive decline: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. J Intern Med 269(1):107–117. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02281.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. De la Rosa A, Olaso-Gonzalez G, Arc-Chagnaud C, Millan F, Salvador-Pascual A, García-Lucerga C, Blasco-Lafarga C, Garcia-Dominguez E, Carretero A, Correas AG, Viña J, Gomez-Cabrera MC (2020) Physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. J Sport Health Sci 9(5):394–404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.01.004

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC3600201) and the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund (2022QN015).

Author information

Author notes

  1. Gen Li and Qiuping You have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China

    Gen Li, Qiuping You, Yuanyuan Lv & Laikang Yu

  2. School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China

    Gen Li

  3. School of Sport Sciences, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China

    Xiao Hou

  4. Department of Sports Performance, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China

    Shiyan Zhang, Liwen Du & Laikang Yu

  5. China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China

    Yuanyuan Lv

Authors
  1. Gen Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Qiuping You
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xiao Hou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shiyan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Liwen Du
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yuanyuan Lv
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Laikang Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

GL and QY wrote the manuscript. LY and YL contributed to the conception and design. GL and QY extracted data the data and evaluated the quality. XH, SZ, and LD verified the data. GL, QY, XH, SZ, LD, YL, and LY contributed to the analysis and interpretation of the data. GL, QY, XH, SZ, LD, YL, and LY revised it critically for important intellectual content. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Yuanyuan Lv or Laikang Yu.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

No ethical approval was needed. All studies in this review have been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 794 KB)

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Li, G., You, Q., Hou, X. et al. The effect of exercise on cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neurol 270, 2908–2923 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-11649-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-11649-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation