There have been a number of exercise-related MS studies conducted over the years. In general, exercise has proven to be beneficial to MSers with few long-term complications. The biggest issues with exercise are the typical hot-button problems, pardon the pun, of heat and fatigue.
Exercise Protects the Brain in MS Patients
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients, a 2010 study done by Ohio State shows. In addition, MRI scans of the patients showed that the fitter MS patients showed less damage in parts of the brain that show deterioration as a result of MS, as well as a greater volume of vital gray matter. “We found that aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain that are most affected by multiple sclerosis,” said Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, lead author of the study and assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University. “As a result, these fitter patients actually show better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.” Read the full article here.
Treadmill Training May Improve Mobility, Reduce Fatigue in MSers
The study “Treadmill training for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomised trial,” published in the April 2006 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, found that in individuals with MS, “aerobic treadmill training is feasible and well tolerated.Walking speed and endurance increased following training withno increase in reported fatigue.” The full study is available for $12; the abstract is free.
Six Months of Yoga “Significantly” Reduces Fatigue in MSers
The study “Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis,” published in the June 8, 2004 issue of Neurology, found that “Subjects with MS participating in either a 6-month yoga class or exercise class showed significant improvement in measures of fatigue compared to a waiting-list control group. There was no relative improvement of cognitive function in either of the intervention groups.” The full study is available for $20; the abstract is free.
Six-Month Exercise Program Shows Increased Speed, Strength
The study “Effects of a 6-month exercise program on patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized study,” published in the Dec 14, 2004 issue of Neurology, found that “walking speed improved” and “the exercise group also showed increased upper extremity endurance.” “The results confirm that exercise is safe for multiple sclerosis patients and should be recommended for those with mild to moderate disability.” The full study is available for $20; the abstract is free.
