High-Intensity Interval Training improves bone remodeling, lipid profile, and physical function in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease due to an autoimmune chronic inflammatory response and the etiology is currently not completely understood. Is already known that physical activity plays an essential role in improving quality of life, especially in neuropathological conditions. The study aimed to investigate the possible benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in bone and lipid metabolism markers, and neuromotor abilities in MS patients. 130 participants were recruited; 16 subjects with MS met the inclusion criteria and were included in the data analysis. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CG) (34,88 ± 4,45 yrs) that didn’t perform any physical activity and the Exercise group (EG) (36,20 ± 7,80 yrs) that performed HIIT protocol. The training program was conducted remotely by clinical kinesiology. It was performed three times a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning (T0) and the end of the study (T1) were performed Bioimpedance analysis, coordination skills tests, and bone and lipid markers analysis. After 8 weeks of training the wall squat (s) (T0= 27.18±4.21; T1= 41.68±5.38, p ≤0.01) and Time Up and Go test (s) (T0= 7.65±0.43; T1= 6.34±0.38 p ≤0.01) performances improved; lipid markers analysis showed a decrease in Total (mg/dl) (T0= 187.22±15.73; T1= 173.44±13.03, p≤0.05) and LDL (mg/dl) (T0=108±21.08; T1= 95.02±17.99, p<0.05) cholesterol levels. Additionally, the levels of osteocalcin (µg/L), a marker of bone formation increased (T0= 20.88±4.22; T1=23.66±6.24, p<0.05) 25-OH Vitamin D (µg/L) improved after 8 weeks (T0=21.11±7.11; T1=27.66±7.59, p<0.05). High-intensity interval training had an effect on lower limb strength and gait control, improved bone formation, and lipid management, in multiple sclerosis patients.