The Effects of Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Effects of Exercise on Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Introduction:

Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is known as a relapsing-remitting disease that continues to progress as time goes on. MS patients deal with fatigue, numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking in their everyday life. It can only be imagined how difficult this can be for a person living with MS. Growing up, I lived with a person that was diagnosed with MS at a young age, and he did not know how to live with or deal with his symptoms when his disease would relapse. This inspired me to conduct this study that contains helpful information for both a patient with MS and a healthcare worker to help come up with an exercise plan that will decrease symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient. 

Review of Literature:

All articles that were reviewed have different aspects of what exercises and what intensities will benefit the patients the most. Putting these articles together to come to a conclusion could be very helpful for medical professionals that may be helping these patients.

• "Regular training for 40 minutes, two times per week, with moderate intensity increases aerobic capacity and maximum force in patients with low to moderate MS independent of whether endurance or a combined type of training is used. (Kerling et al., 2015). 
• "Aerobic training of low to moderate intensity is effective on cardiovascular fitness because patients use multiple muscle acts to increase cardiovascular fitness and it has been shown that about 30% of multiple sclerosis patients are below the healthy controls of cardiovascular fitness. (Halabchi et al., 2017).
• Multiple Sclerosis patients are sensitive to heat and rising temperatures so it is important to keep them cool during exercise, as the heat can lead to worsening of their symptoms (Doring et al., 2011).
• Endurance training had an increase in muscle strength which in turn had an increase in certain functional measures like walking speed and less fatigue. Resistance training also increased muscle strength and had the same benefits in patients as endurance training did. 
  

Summary:

Considering fatigue is the most common symptom of MS, and rising temperatures can increase symptoms, it is necessary to keep physical activity at low intensities and only perform activities that will benefit the patient and improve their daily living. 

• Multiple sclerosis patients can benefit from strength training, cardiorespiratory training, and resistance training by studies showing that have improved in moving capacity, tiredness, and less disability compared to patients who remain sedentary. 
• Muscle strength and endurance training are important because increased strength in lower limbs can be a benefit as it will allow for better mobility and not as much fatigue in the patient's lower limbs. 
• Flexibility is also important to focus on because patients often have limitations in joint motion from having prolonged periods where they are inactive. The goal of working on flexibility is to lengthen the muscles, enhance joint range of motion, reduce spasticity, and maintain good posture and balance, as these can all aid in the process of gaining back some everyday activities and improve quality of life. 

Resources:

• https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2017/may/multiple-sclerosis-and-exercise
• https://nichecrossfit.com.au/health-wellness/multiple-sclerosis-an-exercise-based-way-of-dealing/

About the Author:

Haley Lohnes is a Senior at Westfield State University Majoring in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. She will be graduating in the Spring of 2020 and plans to get a Physical Therapy Assistant Certification in order to work in the field and further her education. Haley Lohnes can be contacted at hlohnes4232@westfield.ma.edu. 

References:

Kerling, Arno, et al. "Effects of a Short Physical Exercise Intervention on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 16, no. 7, 2015, pp.15761-15775.

Halabchi, Farzin, et al. "Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendation." BMC neurology, vol. 17,1 185. 16 Sept. 2017. 

Doring, Andrea, et al., "Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis -- An Integral Component of Disease Management." EPMA Journal, vol. 3, no.1, 2011.

Razazian, Nazanin, et al., "The Impact of Physical Exercise on the Fatigue Symptoms in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." BMC Neurology, vol. 20, no. 1, p. 93, Mar. 2020.