PMID 39003295

Research
All papers

High-intensity interval training improves bone remodeling, lipid profile, and physical function in multiple sclerosis patients

Amato A, Proia P, Alioto A, Rossi C, Pagliaro A, Ragonese P, Schirò G, Salemi G, Caldarella R, Vasto S, Nowak R, Kostrzewa-Nowak D, Musumeci G, Baldassano S

Question

Does 8 weeks of remotely supervised bodyweight HIIT improve bone remodeling markers, lipid profile, and physical function in people with multiple sclerosis?

Summary

This small randomized trial tested 8 weeks of remotely supervised bodyweight HIIT in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and mild disability. The exercise group trained live online three times per week for 30 minutes using 30-second exercise and 30-second active-rest circuits. HIIT improved timed-up-and-go, wall-squat performance, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, osteocalcin, and vitamin D, with no adverse events reported. The study is promising for remote bodyweight HIIT, but it included only 16 participants and the authors note baseline imbalance, online supervision limits, and no follow-up.

Methodology

  • Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients with minimal to mild disability.
  • 16 participants.
  • Bodyweight circuit.
  • Work intervals: 30 seconds.
  • Recovery: 30 seconds active rest.
  • Intensity: 85% age-predicted HRmax during exercise, 65% during active rest.
  • 30 minutes.
  • 3 days/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Randomized controlled trial.
  • Total cholesterol and LDL, Osteocalcin, 25-OH vitamin D, PTH, beta-CrossLaps, Timed up-and-go and wall squat, and Adherence and adverse events were tracked.

Outcomes

Lipid profile

Exercise group total cholesterol and LDL decreased significantly.

Total cholesterol 187.22 to 173.44 mg/dL p=0.045; LDL 108 to 95.02 mg/dL p=0.022.

Improved

Bone markers

Exercise group osteocalcin and vitamin D increased; PTH and beta-CrossLaps did not significantly change.

Osteocalcin 20.88 to 23.66 microg/L p=0.025; 25-OH vitamin D 21.11 to 27.66 microg/L p=0.043.

Improved

Physical function

Exercise group improved timed-up-and-go and wall-squat performance.

TUG 7.65 to 6.34 seconds p=0.001; wall squat 27.18 to 41.68 seconds p=0.002.

Improved

Safety/adherence

No adverse events occurred; exercise attendance was 71.54%.

All 16 participants completed study phases; exercise group adherence to scheduled sessions 71.54%.

Mixed

Insights

  • A 30/30 bodyweight format is a useful app-programming template, especially for remote or home training.
  • Small supports such as a chair or table can make HIIT more accessible.
  • Remote HIIT needs camera, form, and safety guidance if used in clinical or limited-mobility populations.

Limitations

  • Very small sample size.
  • Baseline imbalance after stratified randomization.
  • Online format limited socialization and correction of errors.
  • No follow-up.
  • Mild MS only.

Safety

  • No adverse events occurred during training.
  • Remote supervision can miss execution errors due to internet interruptions or poor framing.
  • Participants had mild disability and no recent relapse.