The Effect of Eight Weeks of Combined Exercise and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Motor Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease where lymphocytes cross the blood-brain barrier and initiate inflammatory processes in the central nervous system, which can lead to various physical and cognitive disabilities. This disease affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide and 40,000 to 50,000 people in Iran.

Average Age of MS Onset The average age of onset is 30, the time of employment and family formation, which confronts patients with the consequences of being unable to perform daily activities, reducing personal independence, and subsequently leading to a decrease in quality of life and social interactions. Due to the lack of definitive and effective drug treatments and the high cost of such treatments, non-pharmacological methods, including exercise, can at least help improve symptoms and are easily accepted by patients.

The Impact of Physical Activity on the Disease It was previously believed that exercise in MS patients could cause fatigue, increase body temperature, and prevent energy storage, thus exercise was not recommended for these patients. However, regular participation in exercise is now considered a key factor in improving symptoms and increasing physical abilities in MS patients. It is believed that a lack of exercise may cause more weakness, fatigue, and worsening of the disease. Exercise has become an established part of rehabilitation programs for MS patients, improving strength, endurance, cardiovascular function, and reducing fatigue.

Research Method Although recent studies have examined the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in MS patients, for instance, researchers observed a reduction in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha after 12 weeks of coenzyme Q10 supplementation (500 mg daily) in MS patients, comparing the experimental group with the placebo group. These researchers found coenzyme Q10 to be effective in reducing inflammation. Additionally, another study showed that 12 weeks of daily 500 mg coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduced fatigue and depression in MS patients.

In summary, eight weeks of combined exercise and coenzyme Q10 supplementation can improve how long patients with MS can sit, stand, and walk (motor function).

Research Results It is recommended that, for maximum benefit, combined exercise and coenzyme Q10 supplementation be done together. This is particularly reasonable given the role of this coenzyme in the electron transfer chain and aerobic energy production. Therefore, this non-invasive method can be suggested to MS patients to improve their ability to perform daily activities.

Sources: Ahmadi, Amin, Tajrishi, Amirhossein, Nikkhah, Karim, and Asgari, Roya. (2018). The effect of eight weeks of combined exercise and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on motor function in patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal of the Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 61(2), 958-970. https://sid.ir/paper/51969/fa

Nakhzari Khodakhir, Javad, Haghighi, Amirhossein, Hamedi Nia, Mohammadreza, and Ahmadi, Amin. (2018). The effect of combined exercise with an aerobic emphasis and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on muscle performance in multiple sclerosis patients. Ofoq-e Danesh, 24(4), 286-293. https://sid.ir/paper/68293/fa