Physical fitness and cardiovascular function in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. Cardiovascular function (CV) has been shown to be impaired in persons with MS which can lead to the development of comorbidities that can promote disability progression. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and, to a lesser extent, muscular fitness (MF) have been shown to improve CV function in healthy populations. This thesis examined the relationships between CRF, MF, and exercise presented by randomized controlled trials via meta-analysis. Then, the relationships between CRF, MF, and CV function in persons with MS was determined in order to determine targets for therapy that might improve CV function. Results suggest exercise training improved CRF and MF in RCTs of exercise training examining CRF and MF outcomes. Further, the results of this cross-sectional study indicate significant relationships exist between CRF, MF and CV function in persons with MS. These studies support the potential to improve physiological fitness through exercise training as a possible means to improve CV function in persons with MS. This might be accomplished through exercise training interventions involving aerobic and/or resistance exercise.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Platta, Matthew E.

• multiples sclerosis
• exercise
• respiratory fitness
• muscular fitness
• fitness
• arterial function
• cardiovascular

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Matthew Platta

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78550

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/78550