Aerobic training significantly modulated resting-state functional connectivity of the central autonomic network in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to non-aerobic training (P<0.001).
Cohort (n=142)
Does aerobic training alter resting-state functional connectivity of the central autonomic network in patients with multiple sclerosis?
Aerobic training modulates central autonomic network functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis, particularly in the relapsing-remitting subtype, though these changes do not correlate with fatigue severity improvements.
p-value: p=<0.001
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Autonomic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), and autonomic symptoms are independent contributors to MS fatigue. Aerobic training (AT) has been shown to reduce fatigue severity and to promote functional network reorganization in MS. We explored resting-state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) of the central autonomic network (CAN) in MS, its relationship with fatigue severity, and its modifications after AT vs non-AT. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with MS (38 with relapsing-remitting RR and 37 with progressive P) underwent 3T RS functional MRI at baseline and at the end of AT (24 training sessions, 2-3 times per week for 2-3 months) or non-AT of equivalent duration. Sixty-seven matched healthy controls (HCs) served as a reference for baseline RS FC. At both visits, all patients were assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Seed-based RS FC used core CAN modulatory regions: left/right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), mid-cingulate cortex (MCC), amygdala, hypothalamus, and anterior and posterior insula. RESULTS: < 0.001, significant time-by-treatment interaction vs non-AT), with more prominent changes in patients with RRMS compared with patients with PMS. No correlations were found between longitudinal RS FC modifications and concomitant fatigue changes. DISCUSSION: CAN dysregulation is present in MS, with distinct RS FC abnormalities characterizing patients with RRMS and PMS and correlating with fatigue severity. AT modulates CAN RS FC, particularly in patients with RRMS.
Guido et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Multiple Sclerosis (n=142). Aerobic training vs. Non-aerobic training was evaluated on Resting-state functional connectivity of the central autonomic network (p=<0.001). Aerobic training significantly modulated resting-state functional connectivity of the central autonomic network in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to non-aerobic training (P<0.001).