22/10/2025
There is a lot of excellent research coming out at the moment, but I wanted to share a protocol paper which was published in 2023 today- because preliminary findings from this study were shared at a recent conference and set my socials alight!!
A team at Oregon Health & Science University, led by Dr Lindsey Wooliscroft - conducted a study looking at the impact of aerobic exercise for people with multiple sclerosis and presented pilot data at the ECTRIMS conference in Barcelona.
We know that exercise is good for improving walking, energy levels and mood in MS, but we don't know the mechanisms of how it helps. Wooliscroft et al. were investigating one potential mechanism, remyelination.
As explained by the authors, there is intermittent, targeted inflammation of the protective coating (myelin) in nerves with MS, and this leads to damage (demyelination). In some cases, the nerve below is damaged too and this is associated with worsening, permanent MS symptoms.
Remyelination is the process where myelin is repaired, protecting the underlying nerve axon- allowing it to work and protecting against future disability. In their small study, Wooliscroft et al. found that people with MS who participated in 24 weeks of 3 x per week, 30 mins cycling at 70% heart rate max were fitter and had more myelin visible on nerves after the intervention than controls, with data suggesting remyelination - with the fittest people, having the most.
This is the protocol paper, detailing exactly how the study was set up and published in BMJ Open. Have a gander if interested. Hopefully, the full paper will be out soon 🤞🏼.
As described in the final slide- Dr Wooliscroft shared a 'cautiously positive message'. Regular, appropriately prescribed aerobic exercise continues to be a safe and accessible way to support mobility, mood and fatigue in MS and from MRI findings in this study, it may also play a role in myelin repair ✨. Exciting times in this niche corner of the world!
