Dosage and Effectiveness of Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, Balance, and Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To evaluate the benefits of aerobic training (AT) programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the optimal dosage of AT programs for individuals with MS via a systematic review with meta-analysis. Two electronic databases were searched until March 2020 (PubMed-Medline and Web of Science). Studies examining the effect of AT program on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 43 studies. A total sample of 1070 individuals with MS (AT group, n=680; control group, n=390) were analyzed. The AT group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.29; P=.002), functional capacity (timed Up and Go Test: SMD, –1.14; P