| Endurance Training and Cerebellar Morphology in Cuprizone-Induced Multiple Sclerosis Rats |
| Paper ID : 1139-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Maryam Abbasi * . Department of Exercise Physiology, Ilam Branch. Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) often leads to cerebellar atrophy, which is associated with motor and cognitive deficits (2,3). Physical exercise, particularly endurance training, may have neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of endurance training on cerebellar morphology in a cuprizone-induced MS rat model. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: healthy control (n = 6), MS without exercise (n = 6), and endurance training before and during MS induction (EX-MS-EX, n = 6). MS was induced by 0.2% cuprizone for six weeks. The EX-MS-EX group performed treadmill running five days per week for 12 weeks (before and during disease induction) (1). Cerebellar weight, volume, and length were measured post-intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The EX-MS-EX group showed higher cerebellar weight, volume, and length compared to the MS and control groups. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between groups: weight (F = 2.895, p = 0.780, η² = 0.53), volume (F = 0.917, p = 0.490, η² = 0.26), and length (F = 0.301, p = 0.870, η² = 0.10). Conclusion: Endurance training before and during MS induction did not produce significant morphological changes in the cerebellum of rats. These preliminary findings suggest that short- to medium-term treadmill exercise may not be sufficient to alter cerebellar structure in this model. Further research with varied intensities and durations is warranted. |
| Keywords |
| Endurance training, Cerebellum, Multiple sclerosis, Cuprizone, Morphology |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
