Volume 17, Issue 4 (Winter 2026)
2026, 17(4): 39-49 |
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Ethics code: IR.SKU.REC.1400.026
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Mardanian Ghahfarrokhi M, Aghaei F, Banitalebi E, Rahimi M. Effect of Six Months of Home-Based Neuro-Functional Exercise Training on Functional Inflammatory Markers, Fatigue, and Disability Scale in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Cognitive Impairment. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2026; 17 (4) :39-49
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3316-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3316-en.html
1- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran , m-mardaniyan@araku.ac.ir
2- Department of Sport Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2- Department of Sport Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
Abstract: (21 Views)
Introduction: Exercise interventions are among the most effective treatments used for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study aimed to assess the effects of six months of home-based neurofunctional exercises on functional inflammatory markers, fatigue, and disability in MS patients with cognitive impairment.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 patients (55 females and 7 males) diagnosed with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to two groups: a neuro-functional exercise group and a control group. After one month of exercises at the center, patients performed home exercises for six months, three sessions per week. During monthly visits, the patients’ status was assessed, a monthly program was provided, and any potential problems were addressed. Disability status, fatigue, and functional inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory index (SII)) were evaluated one week before and after protocol completion. An independent-samples t-test was used for first inter group or between group comparisons (pretest-posttest difference), and a paired-samples t-test was employed for intergroup comparisons.
Results: The results demonstrated that six months of home-based neuro-functional exercises significantly improved the disability scale score (P=0.002), fatigue score (P=0.001), NLR (P=0.044), PLR (P=0.039), and SII (P=0.045), compared to the control group.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, in situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme heat and cold, or lack of access to sports facilities for various reasons, long-term home-based neuro-functional exercises, following the principle of gradual overloading with a gentle slope, can serve as an effective intervention for the reduction of fatigue, disability, and systemic inflammation in MS patients.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 patients (55 females and 7 males) diagnosed with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to two groups: a neuro-functional exercise group and a control group. After one month of exercises at the center, patients performed home exercises for six months, three sessions per week. During monthly visits, the patients’ status was assessed, a monthly program was provided, and any potential problems were addressed. Disability status, fatigue, and functional inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory index (SII)) were evaluated one week before and after protocol completion. An independent-samples t-test was used for first inter group or between group comparisons (pretest-posttest difference), and a paired-samples t-test was employed for intergroup comparisons.
Results: The results demonstrated that six months of home-based neuro-functional exercises significantly improved the disability scale score (P=0.002), fatigue score (P=0.001), NLR (P=0.044), PLR (P=0.039), and SII (P=0.045), compared to the control group.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, in situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme heat and cold, or lack of access to sports facilities for various reasons, long-term home-based neuro-functional exercises, following the principle of gradual overloading with a gentle slope, can serve as an effective intervention for the reduction of fatigue, disability, and systemic inflammation in MS patients.
Keywords: Cognitive impairment, Expanded disability status scale, Fatigue, Functional exercises, Inflammation, Multiple sclerosis
Type of Study: Orginal Research |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2025/03/21 | Accepted: 2025/06/25 | Published: 2026/01/1
Received: 2025/03/21 | Accepted: 2025/06/25 | Published: 2026/01/1
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