Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of unknown cause. MS is characterised by the formation of areas of demyelination (plaques) throughout the brain and spinal cord that comprise the central nervous system (CNS). The direct damage to the CNS results in slow or interrupted transmission of nerve impulses and causes a varied and wide range of symptoms. Symptoms include physical and cognitive disability, extreme fatigue, temperature sensitivity, and depression. Reports indicate that physical inactivity is a major concern for people with MS as they cannot participate as they would like to.
How does exercise help with multiple sclerosis?
Many of the symptoms associated with MS are reduced through physical activity or exercise. Exercise is a great way for everyone to stay strong, control weight, improve fitness, and ward off chronic diseases such as heart disease. While managing the consequences of MS, exercise represents a crucial tool and is an important approach for improving health and wellness. Unfortunately, inactivity invites consequences such as fatigue, poor strength and poor fitness. If someone is feeling fatigued, they might be less likely to exercise, and as a result, they will have even more fatigue over time. Being inactive also raises the risk of developing other chronic health conditions. If you remain inactive, alongside MS, you might develop heart disease or diabetes too.
There is scientific evidence that exercise improves outcomes for persons with MS. These outcomes range from the cellular level to quality of life. Research has indicated that persons with MS who engage in exercise have better brain health, better cognition based on speed of information processing, and increased mobility and cardiovascular health. Plus, persons with MS who engage with exercise have less fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain, and better sleep quality and quality of life.
Is exercise safe for people with multiple sclerosis?
Exercise can be just as safe for people with MS as it is for people without. Research that summarised the risk of relapse and other adverse events associated with exercise training for people with MS has shown that exercise is not associated with increased risk of relapse or risk of adverse events. Your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help design a program that is tailored to your abilities.
Fatigue
Exercise and fatigue management education strategies will actually help your long term fatigue level.
Heat sensitivity
Physical and sensory symptoms may temporarily increase with small increases in environmental or body temperature. People with MS should be encouraged to keep cool and well hydrated during exercise sessions, for example using cool clothing and try to exercise inside or in the shade.
Research is continuing to address what exercise and strategies are best for fatigue and heat sensitivity; for now, it is recommended to follow the physical activity guidelines, remembering to build up to these guidelines slowly. Stretching and balance exercises are important too. They can be useful to relieve muscle spasms and cramps and may help with relaxation and sleep patterns. Stretching and balance exercises should be continued when fatigue levels, or temperatures, are high.
Finding support
It is important to have the right support if you feel like participating in exercise is too difficult for you.
Support to help you exercise is not to be underestimated. Research indicates that learning about exercise, working with others to overcome your barriers, and identifying facilitators to exercise will make you more successful in increasing your activity levels. Tell your friends, family, work colleagues, and neighbours about the benefits of exercise for you and tell them that you want to be more physically active and they might join you too. Exercise is beneficial for everyone and the more people that are involved, the more fun you might have!
You can seek out help from an accredited exercise physiologist to give you specific instructions. Ask them to help you overcome any exercise barriers you might have and ask them to work with you to develop an exercise program that not only suits your needs but is also enjoyable.
What type of exercise is best for multiple sclerosis?
To be effective, exercise should be performed regularly at a suitable intensity. Most importantly, choose exercise that you enjoy as you will be more likely to stick with it! The internationally recognised physical activity guidelines for adults with mild to moderate MS tell us how much physical activity people with MS are encouraged to participate in.
Aerobic exercises
- Can be performed in a variety of settings including individual and group training sessions on land or in water.
- Walking is the number one choice of aerobic exercise by persons with MS, and walking intensity can be measured by counting your steps over a period of time (e.g. by using a pedometer or smart phone/watch).
- Use of exercise bikes and elliptical trainers is preferable to the use of a treadmill when there is a risk of tripping and falls.
Strengthening exercises
- Can be performed in a variety of settings including home, community centre or gym.
- Can be performed with resistance or machine weights; body weight, resistance bands, or water.
- Progressive resistance with heavier weights and low repetitions is beneficial.
- Frequent rest breaks and alternating muscle groups during training helps minimise fatigue.
- All exercises can be modified by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to suit your ability.
Stretching and balance exercises
- Can be helpful to improve posture and flexibility.
- Can be performed on most days of the week.
- Stretching exercises can be performed using gravity or resistance bands.
- Balance exercises can be performed by challenging one normal sitting and standing posture.
All exercises can be modified by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to suit your ability.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional that prescribes individualised exercise therapy to help people manage their chronic conditions, disabilities, long-term injuries and so much more. They are the most qualified professionals in Australia when it comes to the prescription safe and effective of exercise therapy.
Who should see an AEP?
Anyone who wants to move safely and improve their health can benefit. From chronic conditions to injury recovery, or simply wanting advice on how to exercise right, an exercise physiologist is the expert to see.
Is an AEP covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Yes. As allied health professionals, exercise physiology services are recognised in government health funding including Medicare, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), workers’ compensation and private health insurers. It’s important that you check with your provider as coverage can vary.
Where can I find an AEP?
Use recognised directories like Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), ask your GP or look for allied health clinics with AEP credentials.
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