Impact of dance classes on motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition in multiple sclerosis patients: Randomized controlled trial.

Evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the effect of dance classes on the motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition of MS patients. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 18) and the passive control group (n = 18). Supervised rock and roll and sports dance classes were performed for 12 weeks at a frequency of two times a week. Before and after the intervention, fecal samples were taken and the motor and cognitive function assessments were completed. Fecal microbiota were categorized using primers targeting the V3–V4 region of 16S rDNA. Our results revealed significant differences in mobility performance (T25‐FWT), attention and working memory (TMT B), and finger dexterity (9‐HPT) within the experimental group. Furthermore, we reported favorable shifts in gut microbial communities (an increase in Blautia stercoris and a decrease in Ruminococcus torques) within the experimental group. In conclusion, our randomized control trial on the effects of 12‐week dance classes in MS patients found significant improvements in motor and cognitive functions, with further moderate influence on gut microbiota composition. Highlights: This study demonstrated that dance class training improved mobility, leg function performance (T25‐FW), upper extremity function (9‐HPT), and cognitive functions (TMT‐B) in MS patients.An increase in some common and some not yet fully reviewed commensals, for example, Blautia stercoris, Clostridium algidixylanolyticum, Eubacterium xylanophilum, Megasphaera indica, and Parabacteroides faecis, was observed after dance class training in MS patients.This study showed a significant decrease in pathogens, namely Parvimonas micra and Ruminococcus, within the experimental group; on the contrary, we reported an increased relative abundance of other pro‐inflammatory bacteria, Bilophila wadsworthia, within the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]