Article

Recently, the authors reported an elevated prevalence of impaired
glucose tolerance in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), compared with
matched healthy controls, indicating metabolic defects that may increase
comorbidity. MS also leads to a more inactive lifestyle, increasing the
likelihood to develop fat accumulation, muscle wasting/weakness, and exercise
intolerance. In other populations, these health complications can partly be
reversed by physical exercise. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine
the impact of a mild-to-moderate-intensity exercise program on glucose tolerance,
ranging between normal and impaired, in persons with MS. DESIGN: Persons with MS
(mean expanded disability status scale, 3.3 +/- 0.2; mean age, 48 +/- 15 yrs)
were randomized to an exercise group (n = 29) or a nonexercise control group (n =
15). Glucose tolerance, as well as muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and body
composition to validate the applied exercise program, was determined in both
groups at baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 wks of mild-to-moderate-intensity
combined endurance and resistance training. RESULTS:
No effects on blood glucose
and serum insulin were detected. However, 6 mos of exercise improved muscle
strength, exercise tolerance, and lean tissue mass within the intervention group
as compared with baseline. In the control group, no changes were detected.
CONCLUSION: Twenty-four weeks of mild-to-moderate-intensity combined endurance
and resistance training was not able to improve glycemic control in this cohort
of persons with MS. Future research is warranted to investigate the influence of
higher exercise intensities on glucose tolerance, in an attempt to remediate
metabolic deficits and to decrease the prevalence of comorbidities in MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS