| Methods |
RCT. Random assignment to exercise (EX ) or non‐exercise (NEX) group. |
| Participants |
N = 46: EX = 21, NEX = 25.
Inclusion criteria: Diagnosis of clinically definite MS (Poser 1983) and Kurtzke's EDSS‐score of 6.0 or less.
Exclusion criteria: History of cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopaedic, metabolic or other medical conditions involvement in any form of regular physical activity for 6 months prior to the study
Type MS: ?
Disease duration (yr) ± SD: EX: 9.3 ± 1.6 , NEX: 6.2 ± 1.1
Mean age (yr) ± SD: EX: 41.1 ± 2.0, NEX: 39.0 ± 1.7
% female: EX: 71.4, NEX: 64.0
Mean EDSS‐score ± SD: EX: 3.8 ± 0.3, NEX: 2.9 ± 0.3 |
| Interventions |
EX: Outpatient training sessions of combined arm & leg ergometry 3x40‐min training sessions a week for a period of 15 weeksMean adherence 97% (91‐100)
NEX: No exercise training15 weeks |
| Outcomes |
Kurtzke's FS, Kurtzke's EDSS, ISS, POMS, SIP, FSS, maximal aerobic capacity, isometric strength, blood lipids and body composition Assessments at baseline and after 5, 10 and 15 weeks |
| Notes |
Drop outs: 8: 6 subjects were excluded for reasons unrelated to the project and MS, 2 subjects were excluded secondary to an MS exacerbation |
