Effects of Physical Activity on Cognition in People with Multiple Sclerosis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 trials involving 462 participants assessed how meeting physical activity guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (PAG-MS) affected cognition. Results showed that PAG-MS significantly improved processing speed, visuospatial memory, and verbal memory.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
These results suggest that physical activity may positively influence cognitive functions in individuals with multiple sclerosis, highlighting a potential area for further exploration in management strategies.
What this does not prove
The findings were derived from a limited number of studies, many of which had high risk of bias, indicating a need for more rigorous research in this area.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 462 · total participants
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-20
- 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
- SMD = 0.29; 95% CI 0.08-0.51; p = 0.008
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidencePhysical activity guidelines' impact on cognition in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. ↗DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2749683
Supporting passages (11)
sample size462
sample size basistotal participants
publication date2026-10-20
interventionPURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of meeting physical activity guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (PAG-MS) on cognition in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
comparatornon-PAG-MS controls
primary endpointcognition
findingsTwelve randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with 462 total participants.
limitationsThe findings were based on a limited number of studies with a high risk of bias and more RCTs that meet PAG-MS and examine cognition are needed.
effect sizeSMD = 0.29; 95% CI 0.08-0.51; p = 0.008
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article; Review
subjectsRESULTS: Twelve randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with 462 total participants.
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 2 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.