A Study on Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis

A new study investigates the impact of physical exercise on functional capacity and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that damages the central nervous system by degrading myelin, the protective fatty layer surrounding nerve cells. This degradation interrupts nerve signals between the brain and the body, resulting in disrupted or lost muscle function. Due to its effect on the central nervous system, MS can adversely impact virtually any neurological function.

The chronic progression of MS leads to various symptoms, including muscle weakness, sensory loss, impaired balance and coordination, vision problems, increased incontinence, and fatigue. Consequently, individuals with MS may experience a decline in physical activity, leading to deconditioning and a premature loss of independence.

The Role of Physical Activity

Benefits of Regular Exercise

While the impairments caused by MS are irreversible, research over the past decade indicates that regular physical exercise can mitigate and prevent additional complications related to deconditioning, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Historically, exercise was discouraged for those with MS, but recent findings have changed this perspective.

A summary of relevant guidelines published in BMC Neurology highlights the rehabilitative benefits of regular physical activity for MS patients. Dr. Halabchi and his team from Tehran, Iran, found that suitable exercise can lead to significant improvements in various areas, including aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, fatigue, cognitive function, quality of life, and respiratory health in patients with mild to moderate disability.

The study indicates that individuals with MS can adapt positively to resistance training, which may enhance fatigue management and mobility. Flexibility exercises, such as stretching, can reduce spasticity and prevent painful contractions, while balance exercises can lower fall rates and improve overall balance.

Exercise as a Safe and Effective Intervention

The researchers conclude that exercise is a safe and effective strategy for mitigating the deconditioning process and enhancing both physical and mental health in those with multiple sclerosis. Importantly, there is no concern regarding exercise provoking the onset or worsening of MS symptoms or relapses.

It is recommended that exercise programs not only include specific activities but also define the frequency, duration, repetitions, and intensity of each exercise. Furthermore, comprehensive pre-exercise screenings should be conducted to tailor individualized exercise programs that address specific preferences, impairments, and goals.

Reference

Halabchi, F., Alizadeh, Z., Sahraian, M. A., & Abolhasani, M. (2017). Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendations. BMC Neurology, 17(1), 185. DOI 10.1186/s12883-017-0960-9