Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease of the nervous system. MS damages the protective material around nerve cells. The cell damage affects communication between your brain and body, which causes the symptoms of MS. People with MS have muscle weakness, difficulties with balance and coordination, cognitive problems and visual disturbances. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, exercise helps to manage MS symptoms, prevent associated medical risks and improve overall health and functioning.
Multiple Sclerosis
While the cause of MS is unclear, the condition may be an autoimmune disease which causes the body to attack itself, according to the MedlinePlus. The disease destroys the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerve cells. MS occurs to women more often than men and usually appears from 20 to 40 years age. MS causes mild symptoms in some people. People with severe MS can lose the ability to walk, speak or write. MS is a progressive disease, which means symptoms can worsen over time, and there is no cure. Treatment involves medication and physical therapy to manage the symptoms.
Importance of Exercise
Health care professionals recommend exercise for patients with MS to slow or prevent the progression of symptoms. Exercise is important for your overall health and fitness; however, inactivity can increase certain risk factors for MS patients, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Inactive MS patients risk developing heart disease, muscle weakness, decreased bone density, fractures and shallow breathing. Inactivity can make it difficult for you to maintain the ability to perform daily self-care tasks.
Exercise Types
Regular aerobic exercise helps people with mild to moderate MS by increasing strength and improving coordination, balance and muscle tone, according to MayoClinic.com. Exercise routines for MS patients can include swimming, walking, jogging and bicycling. Some MS patients choose Tai Chi or Yoga to help with balance and coordination, while others choose resistance training to build bones and strengthen muscles. Stretching helps keep muscles toned and improves flexibility. Rehabilitation specialists use special exercises to treat MS symptoms such as speech difficulties and muscle control.
Frequency
MS patients should follow recommendations for adult physical activity, which includes 20 minutes of aerobic activity three to five times a week. However, because of fatigue, MS patients need to start slowly with three- to five-minute exercise sessions, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can increase the length of your sessions by about two minutes each time you are able to do so safely.
Tips and Warnings
See your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Physical therapists who understand MS symptoms can design an exercise program based on your abilities and needs. MS patients can avoid fatigue by being careful during aerobic or other endurance exercises and by avoiding exercise during the hottest time of day. You might need to change exercise types as your condition changes, such as switching to cycling when walking becomes difficult or exercising indoors if you are prone to fatigue.
