What is MS disease?

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. In this condition, the immune system attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerve fibres, which causes inflammation and damage. This then disrupts the delivery of information between the brain and rest of the body, causing a wide range of symptoms and side effects that impact everyday life.

While there are multiple types of MS disease, and it being a condition that can affect everyone differently, common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, coordination and balance issues, numbness or tingling, vision problems and cognitive changes.

Although there’s currently no cure for MS, varying treatments including medications, lifestyle adjustments and exercise are effective in managing symptoms, slowing down progression and in turn, improving overall quality of life.

Why exercise matters for MS

In the past, people living with MS were often advised to avoid exercise due to potential for worsening fatigue and other symptoms. Despite this, current research has completely shifted this perspective, proving otherwise. Today, exercise is seen as not only safe, but one of the most beneficial interventions in MS disease management.

Exercise, and more so supervised exercise sessions, play a vital role in helping individuals who have MS maintain their function, manage symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing. Here are some of the benefits:

 

1. Improved mobility and balance 

With MS disease often affecting muscle control and coordination, walking and everyday movements can become more challenging. Regular physical activity can help strengthen muscles, improve mobility and rebuild balance. These benefits can lead to an improved gait, reduced falls risk and greater independence when it comes to daily activities. Individualised exercise programs that are prescribed by an exercise physiologist can focus on whole body strengthening to improve overall stability and neuromuscular coordination.

 

2. Fatigue management 

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS disease, and for some can be the most debilitating. Although it uses energy, regular and moderate intensity exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue over time. It is key to ensure appropriate load, intensity and progression is applied, starting slowly and building gradually. Aerobic exercise, including walking, cycling and swimming for example, can help improve cardiovascular fitness and boost energy levels and endurance.

 

3. Mental health and cognitive function 

MS can take a toll on mental health, with those diagnosed with the condition having an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Exercise is known to release endorphins which are natural mood boosters, and can also assist with reducing stress and improving sleep. There is also growing evidence to suggest that exercise has positive effects on cognitive function. Regular movement can slow down cognitive decline as well as improve memory, focus and processing speed, all common side effects of MS disease.

 

4. Greater bladder and bowel control 

Bladder and bowel issues are also common in those with MS due to nerve interference and changes. Specific exercises, including pelvic floor exercises, can assist with strengthening the muscles that support these functions as well as reduce symptoms.

 

5. Weight management and heart health 

Fatigue and lack of energy can cause an increase in sedentary behaviour in those with MS disease. This can cause an increase in weight gain, therefore increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for general health, as well as to ease the potential load and burden on weakening muscles and bones. Exercise is beneficial in regulating metabolism, improving circulation and managing blood pressure, all essential components of long term health when managing MS.

Getting started safely

Before starting any new exercise, especially for those who haven’t exercised much in the past, it is important to consult with your healthcare team to ensure exercise is safe, beneficial and appropriate. Working with an exercise physiologist will allow for individualised exercise to be prescribed, taking into account your personal symptoms, goals, current capacity and how exercise can be progressed safely. Exercise sessions may include:

• Aerobic training: low to moderate intensity activities to build cardiovascular endurance.
• Resistance training: targeted exercises to improve strength and improve overall function.
• Mobility and flexibility:  to assist in relieving spasticity and improving range of motion.
• Balance and coordination: essential for reducing the risk of falls.
• Functional exercises: movements that are needed in everyday life, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs and carrying groceries.

When working with a clinical exercise specialist, sessions can always be adapted based off energy levels, current capacity, injuries and potential heat sensitivity.

Final thoughts

Living with MS presents a range of challenges, but movement doesn’t have to be one of them. In fact, exercise has been found to be one of the most powerful ways to manage symptoms, improve quality of life and maintain independence.

With guidance from an exercise physiologist who has experience working with those with MS, individuals experiencing the condition can build safe and effective routines that not only meet their physical goals, but also support their mental and emotional wellbeing.

If you or a loved one is living with MS, get in contact with our Longevity Health and Fitness team today to explore how movement can become medicine in your journey.