Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review Publisher



Jahantighakbari N¹ ; Tahan N² ; Sadatnaimi S³ ; Daryabor A⁴ ; Daneshshahreki B⁵ ; Rastgarkoutenaei F⁶ ; Azari A⁷
Source: Physical Therapy Reviews Published:2025

Abstract

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. This study examined the impact of aerobic exercises on fatigue among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria were: 1) a randomized clinical trial design, 2) patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, 3) aerobic exercises as the intervention, and 4) fatigue as a variable. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the articles using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: On September 1, 2022, a total of 485 articles were found in the search. Out of the total, 73 articles were open access. However, only nine articles were selected after evaluating the titles and abstracts for this systematic review. The effect of aerobic exercises on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis, either alone or in combination with other exercises, was investigated in the chosen articles. The results demonstrated that aerobic exercises combined with other exercises, particularly strengthening exercises, seemed to be more effective in mitigating fatigue compared to aerobic exercise alone. Conclusions: Research has demonstrated that the combination of aerobic exercises with other forms of exercise is effective in reducing fatigue among individuals with multiple sclerosis. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.