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Why is exercise important?

Exercise is vital for just about everyone, but it’s especially important for people with multiple sclerosis.

Benefits of exercise and regular movement for people with MS

‘Whatever your level of ability, exercise has been found to have positive benefits, from improved fitness and function, to maintaining function and improving muscle power,  exercise tolerance, and mobility-related activities. This relates to walking, but also to standing or transferring

Direct evidence shows that exercise:

  • In people with mild MS – physical activity improves fitness and function
  • In people experiencing moderate to severe disability – it maintains function 
  • In people with significant disability – it improves muscle power, exercise tolerance and mobility-related activities (such as walking) 

Studies show that exercise and any form of vigorous movement improves mood and general well-being in people with MS. . 

There is also indirect evidence that exercise may be helpful:

  • Two proteins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), help repair neurons in MS. Exercise significantly boosts these proteins in people with MS 
  • People with MS who exercise show increased levels of neurotrophic factors 
  • Exercise helps prevent cognitive decline. Those who exercise the most show the least amount of brain shrinkage
  • Regular exercise reduces depression and improves quality of life for both people with MS and without 
  • Exercise may modify the course of MS through a neuroprotective effect 

How exercise can help treat problems caused by MS

Exercise and other forms of physical activity can also correct ongoing physical problems caused by MS:

  • Movement exercise has a better effect on spasms and increased tone than stretching does
  • Core postural strength helps correct balance problems that threaten stability
  • Muscle strength protects from injury
  • Exercise counteracts the effects of deconditioning.

Studies show that walkable distance increases with regular treadmill training. Interestingly, some benefits of exercise in MS are more pronounced in women

References

  • Physical activity supports brain health, improving how the brain works and encouraging new cells to grow (de Sousa 2020). The effect is has on the brain has led some researchers to say it is a disease-modifying treatment for MS! (Motl 2022).  
  • It improves walking and balance, muscle strength and increases mobility (Motl 2017; Sa 2014; Snook and Motl 2009). 
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  14. Schulz KH, Heesen C. [Effects of exercise in chronically ill patients. Examples from oncology and neurology.]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2005; 48:906-913
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Further Reading