Effect of Multimodal Exercise Training in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Test evaluates disease activity through three sections: cognitive status, and upper and lower extremity function. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) measures auditory processing speed, attention, flexibility, and calculation by having the patient add numbers presented at three-second intervals. The score is based on correct answers, with a maximum of 60 points. The Timed 25 Foot Walking Test (T25FWT) assesses lower extremity function by recording the time (in seconds) taken to walk 7.62 meters as quickly and safely as possible, with the average of two trials used for scoring. The 9-Hole Peg Test (9DPT) evaluates upper extremity function by having the patient place and remove nine pegs as quickly as possible, with scores based on the average of two trials for each hand.

fMRI is a non-invasive method that allows the examination of central nervous system function and the identification of abnormal activation patterns and/or functional connectivity caused by diseases (Rocca et al 2024).In our study, functional MRI evaluations are planned to be performed using parallel imaging sequences with a 3 T Siemens device with a 32-channel head coil. High-resolution (1 x 1 x 1 mm isotropic) sagittal 190 slices will be obtained with a T1-weighted imaging sequence (TR/TE: 7.7/3.7 ms;, FA: 8°; FOV: 256 x 256). Functional resting state data will be taken with a single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence consisting of 35 slices of 4 mm thickness, 300 dynamic shots (TR/TE: 2230/30 ms, FA: 77°; matrix: 80x80) and will last approximately 11 minutes. Before functional acquisition, magnetic field maps will be recorded in order to correct signal distortions caused by tissue inhomogeneities in the magnetic field during the analysis phase.

BDNF is a neurotrophin that affects the survival, growth and function of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system, provides stabilization of synapses, and regulates synaptic function, axon and dendrite branching. In our study, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) will be used to assess the BDNF levels of participants. All participants will be asked not to consume alcohol and caffeine in the last 12 hours before blood collection, not to take any anti-inflammatory drugs other than their routine treatments and not to exercise. The blood samples to be collected will be centrifuged and stored at -80 degrees in Eppendorf or Falcon tubes (15 ml) (Shobeiri et al 2022; Briken et al. 2016). After the treatments are completed, the blood taken will be analyzed by experienced technicians in the laboratory together with the blood taken before exercise training.

EDSS will be used to assess the disability level of the participants. The scale widely used to assess the level of disability in PwMS, evaluates 8 functional subsystems. These systems consist of pyramidal functions, cerebellar functions, brainstem functions, sensory functions, bladder-bowel functions, visual functions, cognitive functions, and other functions. The scale consists of a 20-category ordinal rating system ranging from 0 (normal neurological examination regardless of symptoms) to 10 (death due to MS), with 0.5-point increments starting from 1 (Kurtzke 1983).

It is a simple, practical test applied according to the standard protocol of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) to measure walking capacity. It has been reported that the test is valid and reliable in MS patients with mild and moderate disability. In our study, 6MWT will be performed in accordance with the standards set in the guidelines for MS patients. The participant will be asked to walk as fast as possible at his own walking pace on the 30-meter track for 6 minutes. Before starting the test, participants will be explained that they can rest if they develop excessive fatigue or respiratory distress during the test and that this time is included in the test period. As a result of the test, the distance traveled by the participant will be recorded in meters (Paltamaa et al. 2005; ATS statement 2002).

Accelerometer is a valid, reliable and objective measurement device that measures the number, intensity and energy consumption of activities. The device can be attached to the wrist and ankle with an elastic belt. In our study, the amount of physical activity and energy consumption of the participants in a week will be assessed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Accelerometer (Polhemus et al. 2022).

It is a self-reported questionnaire with two questions that measures the physical activity behavior of the participants. In the first question, the frequencies of mild, moderate and intense physical activity performed for more than 15 minutes in a normal week are questioned. Weekly frequencies of light, moderate, and vigorous physical activities are multiplied by 3, 5 and 9 metabolic equivalents, respectively, and the sum of the results is recorded as total leisure activity. Second question seeks the frequency of activity that causes sweating in a normal week is questioned. Less than 14 scores means insufficiently active/sedentary, 14-23 scores means moderately active and 24 scores or more means active. So higher scores better outcomes (Weikert et al. 2010).

Our study will evaluate static and dynamic balance. The One-Legged Standing Test is a reliable test that can be easily applied to evaluate static balance. For this test, the participant will be asked to stand on the right and left feet respectively. As a result of the test, the time the participant can stand on one leg will be recorded in seconds (Fry & Pfalzer 2006). The Timed Up and Go Test is a test used to evaluate dynamic balance. The test measures the time it takes for a person to get up from a chair, walk 3 meters at a comfortable pace, return to the chair and sit down in seconds. The test starts when the participant gets up from the chair and ends when he/she sits back down on the chair. A shorter time represents better mobility (Cattaneo et al. 2006).

It is a scale that evaluates the fatigue of MS patients in daily functions. In the evaluation made with 9 questions, each question is scored between 1 (totally disagree) - 7 (totally agree). The result score is the average value of nine questions. High score indicates increased severity of fatigue (Krupp et al. 1989).

The scale consists of 31 questions in 6 subgroups including physical condition, symptoms, psychological condition, self, relationship with friends, family and medical personnel. The answers are scored between 0 and 5 and a score ranging from 0 to 100 is obtained. Higher scores indicate higher quality of life (Simeoni et al. 2008).