Overview
The study seeks to investigate whether 24 weeks of power training has neuroprotective effects in older PwMS. Additional purposes are to examine the effects of 24 weeks power training on physical function, cognitive function and neuromuscular function. Further, it is investigated whether the potential effects of power training are maintained after 24 weeks of follow-up.
Description
Over the past 3-4 decades, the lifespan among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased substantially. Today more than one-third of all people with MS are 60 years or older. With advanced age, people with MS are more likely to have impairments in cognitive and physical function.
Positive adaptations within the nervous system (~neuroplasticity) have been shown to occur in people with MS following periods of resistance training (RT). This resembles the observations in young and old healthy individuals. Moreover, a specific type of RT termed power training appears to be particularly beneficial, as it emphasizes an explosive concentric phase of muscle contraction. This taxes the nervous system to a very high extent. As a result, power training has been shown to improve several aspects that rely on the nervous system in older individuals without MS. These aspects include cognition, neuromuscular function, and physical function.
The investigators speculate that older people with MS would also benefit. However, no studies have looked into the effects of power training in older people with MS.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- ≥ 60 years of age.
- Clinically diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria (48).
- Having an EDSS ≤ 6.5.
- able to transport themselves to the testing at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital.
- able to transport themselves to training, if randomized to the PRP group.
Exclusion Criteria:
- having comorbidities (cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, or other neurological diseases than MS) affecting PRP participation or MRI scans.
- having a pacemaker.
- having metallic implant(s) that prevents MRI scans.
- having untreated osteoporosis; t-score below -2.5 and a history of low energy facture or t-score below -3.0.
- participating in more than two sessions per week of structured PRE and have done so for the past 3 months.
- Are cognitively impaired at a level expected to prevent the participant from understanding training and testing instructions.