For many years, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been told to be very careful about exercising. Often, in efforts to maintain strength, they were given limited exercises by medical professionals. The most important advice they received was to avoid letting their body temperature increase, since that can cause temporary worsening of symptoms in some people with MS. That remains good advice. However, recent research reveals that many fitness activities are very helpful for people with MS.
Multiple sclerosis causes problems such as fatigue, weak or spastic muscles, poor balance, heat sensitivity, and depression. Any of those symptoms can lead to physical inactivity, which can lead to more problems or other diseases, like heart disease. People with MS must overcome certain obstacles (such as their symptoms) in order to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle. Up until recently, fitness programs have not been utilized enough in the MS population.
Physical therapy techniques have long played a vital role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In many cases, the exercises emphasized mostly the neurological problems that the person was having. These included specific muscle weakness, balance problems, and coordination. A growing number of studies now demonstrate that aerobic and weight training programs are also very helpful for people with multiple sclerosis. As in people without MS, these programs offer fitness and psychological benefits. Participants have noted improvements in their overall quality of life. Some of the easily measured benefits include improved walking speed, endurance and balance, as well as increased strength. Improved coordination and mobility and decreased disability has also been demonstrated.
When entering an aerobic or strength training program, people with MS need to have their specific level of disability addressed. Often, these programs are designed by or in consultation with physical therapists and the client’s physician. Many of the newer programs have begun in hospitals or physical therapy clinics. They have also been set up at traditional fitness facilities or been sent with the client, as a home exercise program. When done properly, exercise programs have been proven to be safe and effective for people with multiple sclerosis.
