High-intensity resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis experiencing fatigue: A randomised controlled trial

Exercise studies including only fatigued persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with fatigue as primary endpoint are lacking. To evaluate the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on self-reported fatigue in fatigued PwMS in a single center randomised controlled trial. We recruited 71 PwMS scoring ≥ 53 on the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), who were randomised 1:1 to either twice (group A) or once (group B) weekly supervised HIRT for twelve weeks. A non-randomised FSMC score-matched group (n=69) served as non-intervention control. Between HIRT-group differences were non-significant for primary and most secondary endpoints. Mean difference in FSMC score (95% confidence intervals) was -10.9 (-14.8; -6.9) in group A and -9.8 (-13.2; -6.3) in group B. Corresponding values for combined HIRT groups vs non-intervention control were -10.3 (-12.9; -7.7) and 1.5 (-0.6;3.6), respectively, p