Work

Transient and Immediate Motor Effects of Endurance Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Exploratory TIME Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) occasionally report deterioration of motor function after endurance training. Endurance training is recommended to help manage MS symptoms, but its immediate impact on functional mobility and spasticity is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory pre/post analysis was to investigate the immediate effects of a single bout of endurance training on a bicycle ergometer on functional mobility and lower extremity spasticity in people with MS. Methods: Forty people with MS (21 men and 19 women; Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 6.0) were randomly assigned to perform either a single bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate continuous training (MCT) on a bicycle ergometer. Functional mobility and spasticity were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Numeric Rating Scale for Spasticity (NRS-S), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) at 5 timepoints: before exercise, up to 5 minutes after exercise, at 60 minutes, 180 minutes, and 300 minutes after exercise. Results: = .01), were observed immediately after exercise in both groups. However, within 1 hour, TUG reverted to baseline, whereas NRS-S and MAS improved beyond baseline at 180 minutes post exercise. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used to reassure patients that acute, exercise-related symptom worsening is short-lived and to inform them about the time course to performance and symptom recovery to baseline, or even beyond.

Source: International Journal of MS Care

DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-092