Four facts on exercise in Multiple Sclerosis

In light of May being International Multiple Sclerosis(MS) awareness month, our resident neurological physio, Kaitlin wanted to share four interesting facts on exercise and physiotherapy in MS.

Fact One. 

A whooping 80% of people living with MS are completely inactive. Inactivity is a main cause of physical decline in all populations. For people living with MS, this means not only are they impacted by the effects of their MS but also the effects of being inactive. There is a huge potential for people living with MS to see physical improvements, solely through increasing their physical activity alone.

Fact Two. 

We now know that exercise does not have any harmful effects on MS (NICE guidelines, 2014). It is safe to exercise if this is under the supervision of a neurological physiotherapist who is experienced in treating MS. An experienced physiotherapist will understand the barriers to exercises that clients living with MS face, such as fatigue and temperature sensitivity. They will be able to guide you through your rehabilitation in a way that will minimise these barriers.

Fact Three. 

Exercise has been shown to have many benefits in the MS population. These include improved strength, balance and improved daily function. It can decrease fatigue levels, pain and improve cardiovascular fitness. Exercise when done correctly can also have a positive impact on your cognitive function and mental health (Motl et al., 2017, Motl and Pilutti, 2016).

Fact Four.

Fact four is one that gets all neurological physiotherapists jumping with excitement! There is potential for exercise to slow down MS disease progression (Dalgus & Stenager, 2012). Studies imply that exercise may influence several neurotrophic factors known to be involved in neuroprotective processes with evidence supporting the possibility of a disease-modifying potential of exercise in MS patients (Dalgus & Stenager, 2012).

If you are living with MS within Tauranga or the wider bay of plenty please touch base with Kaitlin, our neurological physiotherapist who has experience in providing rehabilitation services to MS populations. The Rehab Team offers one-on-one at home MS rehabilitation.  Kaitlin is also a provider of MS Get a Head Start -  an innovative six week, high intensity exercise and education program to empower self management and change lives for those living with MS.

Contact Kaitlin today at admin@theRehabteam.co.nz