Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Continuous Training on Human Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis
In a study involving 40 individuals with multiple sclerosis, those who engaged in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate continuous training (MCT) on a bicycle ergometer showed an immediate decline in functional mobility and an increase in spasticity right after exercise. However, mobility returned to baseline within an hour, while spasticity showed improvement at 180 minutes post-exercise.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding the immediate effects of exercise on mobility and spasticity is vital for developing effective rehabilitation strategies for people with multiple sclerosis, as it highlights the dual nature of these responses.
What this does not prove
This study only examined the effects of a single bout of exercise on mobility and spasticity, meaning longer-term effects and implications are still unknown.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Interventional
- Participants / samples
- 40 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Yes
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-26
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceTransient and Immediate Motor Effects of Endurance Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Exploratory TIME Study. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-092
Supporting passages (12)
study phaseTherefore, the aim of this exploratory pre/post analysis was to investigate the immediate effects of a single bout of endurance training on a bicycle ergometer on functional mobility and lower extremity spasticity in people with MS.
study designTherefore, the aim of this exploratory pre/post analysis was to investigate the immediate effects of a single bout of endurance training on a bicycle ergometer on functional mobility and lower extremity spasticity in people with MS.
subjectsMETHODS: Forty people with MS (21 men and 19 women; Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 6.0) were randomly assigned to perform either a single bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate continuous training (MCT) on a bicycle ergometer.
sample sizeTitle: Transient and Immediate Motor Effects of Endurance Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Exploratory TIME Study.
randomizedMETHODS: Forty people with MS (21 men and 19 women; Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 6.0) were randomly assigned to perform either a single bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate continuous training (MCT) on a bicycle ergometer.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-26
interventionMETHODS: Forty people with MS (21 men and 19 women; Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 6.0) were randomly assigned to perform either a single bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate continuous training (MCT) on a bicycle ergometer.
primary endpointTherefore, the aim of this exploratory pre/post analysis was to investigate the immediate effects of a single bout of endurance training on a bicycle ergometer on functional mobility and lower extremity spasticity in people with MS.
follow upFunctional mobility and spasticity were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Numeric Rating Scale for Spasticity (NRS-S), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) at 5 timepoints: before exercise, up to 5 minutes after exercise, at 60 minutes, 180 minutes, and 300 minutes after exercise.
findingsRESULTS: A significant decline in functional mobility, as measured by the TUG (P < .001), and an increase in spasticity, as measured by NRS-S (P = .01), were observed immediately after exercise in both groups.
limitationsTitle: Transient and Immediate Motor Effects of Endurance Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Exploratory TIME Study.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
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