Treadmill walking exercise training and brain function in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence setting the stage for a network-based approach to rehabilitation

Brian M Sandroff, Glenn R Wylie, Brad P Sutton, Curtis L Johnson, John DeLuca, Robert W Motl, Brian M Sandroff, Glenn R Wylie, Brad P Sutton, Curtis L Johnson, John DeLuca, Robert W Motl

Abstract

Exercise training has been identified as a highly promising approach for managing the cognitive consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study represents a secondary analysis of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) magnetic resonance imaging data from a pilot treadmill walking exercise training intervention for improving cognitive processing speed (CPS) in MS. There were large intervention effects on RSFC between the thalamus and right superior frontal gyrus (d = 1.92) and left medial frontal gyrus (d = 1.70). There further were moderate-to-large intervention effects on CPS (d = 0.72). Such preliminary data highlight FC within thalamocortical circuitry as a potential target for rehabilitation interventions for improving CPS in cognitively impaired individuals with MS.

Keywords: Exercise; cognition; functional connectivity; multiple sclerosis; neuroimaging; rehabilitation.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Cortical regions in which resting-state functional connectivity with the thalamus significantly increased following treadmill walking exercise training compared with waitlist control. Top row: right superior frontal gyrus; bottom row: left medial frontal gyrus.

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Source: PubMed

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