Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis
By Graeme Marsh
Exercise prescription for MS can be a challenging task due to the wide range of effects that it can have on the body, which can from minimal to sometimes quite severe and disabling. For a long time exercise was thought of as being detrimental to people with the condition, although studies over the past ten years tell a different story. While exercise can’t actually reverse the process of this condition it can make a real difference to quality of life and state of mind. There are many inspirational stories of people who feel great benefits from including activity in their lives despite the fact that fatigue and weakness are two of the main symptoms associated with the condition.
The research backs this up as well, despite obvious difficulties with methods and measures. The first study to show the real benefits of exercise for MS was done in 1996 where there was a clear improvement shown in not only fitness, but also in reduced levels of depression. Since then there have been several studies that have shown positive results for many as a result of taking up some form of activity such as aerobic exercise, aquatic therapy, tai-chi, or yoga. Results do vary between individuals but the average improvement in fitness from an aerobic exercise programme over 6 months is around 30%.
