Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (20): 4341-4350.doi: 10.12307/2025.676

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Potential biological mechanisms of exercise-induced improvements in physiological function of patients with multiple sclerosis

Shen Chuang1, Lin Song2, Cheng Ruijuan3   

  1. 1School of Physical Education, 2Department of Science and Technology, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China; 3Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
  • Received:2024-07-22 Accepted:2024-09-05 Online:2025-07-18 Published:2024-12-25
  • Contact: Cheng Ruijuan, MD, Attending physician, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
  • About author:Shen Chuang, MS, Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
  • Supported by:
    the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province, No. 2023NSFSC1752 (to CRJ); the Doctoral Start-up Fund Project of Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, No. A2022-15 (to LS)

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to offer potential benefits for patients with multiple sclerosis, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the physiological changes in patients with multiple sclerosis and to explore the specific mechanisms by which exercise improves these physiological functions.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP from database inception to June 2024. The search terms were “multiple sclerosis, demyelinating autoimmune diseases, exercise, physical activity, neurodegenerative diseases” in English and Chinese. Based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 81 articles were ultimately selected for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The complex physiological and functional alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis seriously affect their quality of life and ability to live independently. As a non-pharmacological intervention, exercise shows significant potential in improving the physiological and functional status of patients with multiple sclerosis by alleviating fatigue, modulating immune responses, reducing stress hormone levels, enhancing blood-brain barrier function, and promoting neuroplasticity. However, current research on the specific mechanisms of exercise in the treatment of multiple sclerosis is still insufficient, and more high-quality, systematic studies are needed to further validate and refine the findings. Future research should focus on: 1) to develop the most suitable exercise regimens by further exploring the effects of different types and intensities of exercise on the physiological function and disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis; 2) to verify the long-term effects and safety of exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis through large-scale, long-term follow-up clinical trials; 3) to reveal the specific mechanisms of exercise intervention in patients with multiple sclerosis using advanced technological methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and neuroelectrophysiology; and 4) to develop personalized exercise programs based on individual patient differences to optimize intervention effects and patient compliance. 

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words: multiple sclerosis, demyelinating autoimmune diseases, exercise, neurodegenerative disease, physiological function, engineered tissue construction

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