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. 2020 Oct;26(12):1594-1598.
doi: 10.1177/1352458519863644. Epub 2019 Jul 18.

A pilot study of the effects of running training on visuospatial memory in MS: A stronger functional embedding of the hippocampus in the default-mode network?

Marijn Huiskamp  1 , Lousin Moumdjian  2 , Paul van Asch  3 , Veronica Popescu  4 , Menno Michiel Schoonheim  1 , Martijn D Steenwijk  1 , Ellen Vanzeir  5 , Bart van Wijmeersch  4 , Jeroen Jg Geurts  1 , Peter Feys  5 , Hanneke E Hulst  1
Affiliations

A pilot study of the effects of running training on visuospatial memory in MS: A stronger functional embedding of the hippocampus in the default-mode network?

Marijn Huiskamp et al. Mult Scler. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Background/objective: Endurance exercise can improve memory function in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), but the effects on hippocampal functioning are currently unknown. We investigated the effects of a running intervention on memory and hippocampal functional connectivity in pwMS.

Methods/results: Memory and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected in a running intervention (n = 15) and waitlist group (n = 14). Visuospatial memory improvement was correlated to increased connectivity between the hippocampus and the default-mode network (DMN) in the intervention group only.

Conclusion: As a result of endurance exercise, improvements in visuospatial memory may be mediated by a stronger functional embedding of the hippocampus in the DMN.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; cognitive rehabilitation; default-mode network; endurance exercise; functional connectivity; hippocampus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: J.J.G.G. has received study grants from Biogen Idec, Sanofi Genzyme, and Novartis Pharma and is Editor for Europe at Multiple Sclerosis Journal. P.F. is steering committee member of Neurocompass, participated in advisory board meetings of BIOGEN IDEC, and received teaching honoraria for EXCEMED and PARADIGMS. M.M.S. serves on the editorial board of Frontiers of Neurology, receives research support from the Dutch MS research Foundation (grant number 13-820), and has received compensation for consulting services or speaker honoraria from EXCEMED, Genzyme, and Biogen. H.E.H. receives research support from the Dutch MS Research Foundation (grant number 08-648) and serves as a consultant for Genzyme, Merck-Serono, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Scatterplots of Δ-SPART versus Δ-hippocampus–DMN functional connectivity showing a relationship in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Relationships are partial correlations, corrected for age. *Significant at p < 0.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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