Cytokine responses to acute and chronic exercise in multiple sclerosis.

Regular exercise reduces functional loss associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of exercise on inflammatory mediators associated with disease activity remains relatively unexplored. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ambulatory MS subjects would respond similarly to aerobic cycle training compared with matched controls on circulating immune variables, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma.

Exercise and brain health--implications for multiple sclerosis: Part II--immune factors and stress hormones.

Part I of this review addressed the possible modulatory role of exercise on neuronal growth factors to promote brain health in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which is characterized by varied patterns of inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Part II presents evidence that supports the potential neuroprotective effect of exercise on the modulation of immune factors and stress hormones in MS. Many current therapies used to attenuate MS progression are mediated, at least in part, through alterations in the relative concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Exercise and brain health--implications for multiple sclerosis: Part 1--neuronal growth factors.

The benefits of regular exercise to promote general health and reduce the risk of hypokinetic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles are well recognized. Recent studies suggest that exercise may enhance neurobiological processes that promote brain health in aging and disease. A current frontier in the neurodegenerative disorder multiple sclerosis (MS) concerns the role of physical activity for promoting brain health through protective, regenerative and adaptive neural processes.

Cytokine responses to resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis.

Exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been shown to improve cardiovascular function, increase strength and endurance, and reduce fatigue. The impact of exercise on immune function in the disease, however, remains mostly unexplored. Ten female MS patients participated in an 8 week programme of twice-weekly progressive resistance training, with pre- and post-training assessment of serum concentrations of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.

Cardiovascular/non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors and intramyocellular lipid in healthy subjects: a sex comparison.

Little is known about the relationship between intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and coronary artery disease (CAD)/non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between IMCL and CAD/non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors in healthy male (n = 9) and female (n = 10) subjects with similar norm-based aerobic fitness and body composition. Nineteen volunteers (21-36 years) completed health and physical activity questionnaires, cardiovascular and body composition evaluation, and assessment of thigh IMCL using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Resistance training improves gait kinematics in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week lower-body resistance-training program on walking mechanics in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: Repeated-measures design, evaluating gait kinematics before and after an 8-week progressive resistance-training intervention.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory and fitness center (with conventional, commercially available resistance-training equipment).

Blood flow response to a postural challenge in older men and women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to measure blood flow in the carotid and femoral arteries, heart rate and blood pressure in response to postural challenge in older adults. A second purpose was to determine if older men and women have different cardiovascular responses to a postural challenge such as tilt. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy elderly men and women participated in this study (69-82 years old).