The effect of resistance training on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.
Hannah Ashworth, Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes, Nicholas F Sculthorpe et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined resistance training and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis, synthesizing 13 randomized and non-randomized trials using random-effects models. Resistance training was associated with improved overall quality of life (standardized mean difference = 1.25; 95% confidence interval: 0.03 to 2.47, P = 0.045) and physical health (standardized mean difference = 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.53, P = 0.017). The estimated improvement in mental health was not statistically significant, and study duration was not associated with effect size.
Key findings
- Overall quality of life improved with resistance training (standardized mean difference = 1.25; 95% confidence interval: 0.03 to 2.47, P = 0.045).
- Physical health improved (standardized mean difference = 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.53, P = 0.017).
- Mental health effects were not statistically significant (standardized mean difference = 0.23; 95% confidence interval: -0.11 to 0.56, P = 0.184).
- Meta-regression found no association between study duration and effect size.
Why it matters
Quality of life is an important dimension of multiple sclerosis care, beyond disease-modifying treatment. This synthesis suggests resistance training may benefit overall and physical quality of life, while evidence for mental health benefit remains uncertain. The findings help frame resistance training as a potentially relevant non-pharmacological approach, but the inconsistent results warrant cautious interpretation.
What to keep in mind
The review combined randomized and non-randomized trials, and the authors report inconsistent effects. They call for higher-quality, standardized, adequately powered trials.