Individuals with multiple sclerosis may benefit from resistance training, which has been shown in a recent study to potentially improve quality of life (QoL), particularly in the domains related to physical and mental health.
However, “[the] effects were less consistent [for mental health], likely due to heterogeneity in study design, intervention characteristics, and participant profiles,” said the researchers, who conducted a literature search across Scopus, Medline, and SPORTDiscus.
The research team identified randomized and nonrandomized trials assessing the impact of resistance training on QoL in people with multiple sclerosis. Afterwards, they synthesized data from 13 eligible studies via random-effects meta-analyses. Of these, nine were randomized controlled trials and four were uncontrolled trials.
Overall QoL improved with resistance training (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.25, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.03‒2.47; p=0.045). The domains of physical health (SMD, 0.29, 95 percent CI, 0.05‒0.53; p=0.017) and mental health (SMD, 0.23, 95 percent CI, ‒0.11 to 0.56; p=0.184) also showed some improvements. [Am J Med 2026;139:1210-1221]
On the other hand, resistance training duration (in weeks) did not demonstrate a significant association with QoL in the meta-regression (p=0.141), suggesting benefits regardless of programme length.
Overall wellbeing
The QoL composite score reflects “overall wellbeing, including physical and emotional aspects,” and this review revealed positive effects of resistance training, with consistent improvements across six included studies. [Ann Intern Med 1993;118:622-629]
For physical health, the composite score covers domains from validated instruments that assess physical functioning, bodily pain, and fatigue. This measure is important to daily functioning since people with multiple sclerosis usually endure motor impairment and fatigue. [Med Care 1992;30:473-483; Qual Life Res 1995;4:187-206]
“The present meta-analysis identified a small effect of resistance training on physical health component scores, indicating that such interventions may significantly enhance the physical dimension of QoL in this population,” the researchers said.
Mental health
For the mental health component of QoL, this includes psychological domains such as emotional wellbeing, social engagement, role functioning, and vitality. [PLoS One 2025;20:e0325780]
While the current findings show a small positive effect of resistance training on mental health, “suggesting … benefits for psychological wellbeing in [those] with multiple sclerosis,” heterogeneity was evident across the included studies.
“Although a small effect was evident, the wide confidence interval crossing zero suggests considerable variability,” the researchers said. “These discrepancies may reflect differences in baseline psychological status, intervention intensity, and the inclusion of behavioural support.”
“Further high-quality, standardized, and adequately powered trials are needed to confirm these findings and inform clinical practice,” they added.
Autoimmune disease
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage in the brain and spinal cord myelin. This condition can lead to several neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, neuropathic pain, and fatigue. [Mult Scler J 2008;14:35-53; JAMA 2021;325:765-779]
“This chronic, progressive neurological disorder can have a significant impact on QoL, including physical, social, and psychological wellbeing,” the researchers said. [Behav Sci 2019;9:121]