A randomized study to evaluate the effect of exercise on fatigue in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod

Maeurer M, Schuh K, Seibert S, Baier M, Hentschke C, Streber R, Tallner A, Pfeifer K (2018)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical SAGE Publications (UK and US)

URI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5818099/pdf/10.1177_2055217318756688.pdf

DOI: 10.1177/2055217318756688

Open Access Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5818099/#

Abstract

Background

Fatigue is a major symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients, and it has been shown to improve with physical exercise. Although fingolimod might lessen fatigue, it is unclear how patients treated with fingolimod react to physical activity regarding fatigue.

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of an exercise intervention on fatigue in relapsing–remitting MS patients receiving fingolimod.

Methods

People with MS (PwMS) were randomized to either a structured internet-based exercise program (e-training) or no e-training intervention. The primary endpoint was the change in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (mFIS) after six months.

Results

The primary analysis showed no statistically significant difference between groups in the mFIS change. Subgroup analyses revealed a beneficial effect of physical exercise for PwMS with low aerobic capacity and with low aerobic capacity plus more severe fatigue. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups. No cardiovascular events were reported. The majority of PwMS were relapse free.

Conclusion

Physical exercise benefits on fatigue may depend on the physical capacity of the patient and requires individualized training. Consistent with previous studies, these results suggest that physical exercise generally does not impose a risk and that this holds true also for patients receiving fingolimod.

Authors with CRIS profile

René Streber Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Alexander Tallner Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Klaus Pfeifer Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

Caritas-Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim gemeinnützige GmbH DE Germany (DE) Novartis AG CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Maeurer, M., Schuh, K., Seibert, S., Baier, M., Hentschke, C., Streber, R.,... Pfeifer, K. (2018). A randomized study to evaluate the effect of exercise on fatigue in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod. Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055217318756688

MLA:

Maeurer, Mathias, et al. "A randomized study to evaluate the effect of exercise on fatigue in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod." Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical (2018).

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