Impact of periodized home-based rehabilitation and B-alanine supplementation on exercise capacity in Multiple Sclerosis: a feasibility study

Aim of the study: To investigate the feasibility and effects of a HIIT-oriented, periodized, home-based training program on exercise capacity and body composition in PwMS and the ability of BA to fortify these effects. Methods: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized feasibility study consisted of 24 weeks periodized, home-based training. A 3-week training cycle (1 volume, 1 HIIT and 1 recuperation week) was repeated eight times. PwMS (EDSS: 1.83 ±1.13) and healthy controls (HC) were allocated to a BA (MSBA, n: 12; HCBA, n: 11) or matching placebo group (MSPL, n: 11; HCPL, n: 11). Exercise capacity (VO2max, time-to-exhaustion: TTE, recovery: HRR, total work done: TWD and maximal workload) and body composition (fat mass: FM, lean mass: LM, fat percentage: FAT%) were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results: Thirty-six subjects completed the intervention (MSBA, n: 11; HCBA, n: 8; MSPL, n: 7; HCPL, n: 10). Main time effects were found for load (+10.95%), VO2max (+6.17%) TTE (+12.42%), TWD (+22.49%), FM (-6.05%) and FAT% (-4.04%). No main group, intervention nor interaction effects were found (p>0.05). Training adherence was 86-92%. Conclusion: A HIIT-oriented home-based training program seems feasible and enhances exercise capacity in PwMS and HC. Supplementation of BA showed no additional effects.