What that means is nerve impulses that run into these scars will be stopped or disrupt the impulses resulting in a number of neurological issues like motor and sensory disturbances.

This results in a large range of potential issues for the body some being:

• loss of muscle innovation and sensation
• visual impairment, fatigue
•  neuropsychological disturbances
•  thermosensitivity.

This could mean:

•  increased spasticity in muscles,
•  neuropathy, loss of coordination
•  increased risk of falls
•  vertigo
•  ataxia
•  affected speech and ability to swallow
•  developing a tremor
•  lack of control of the pelvic floor
• and more

Any and all neurological issues are possible with MS.

Though the condition develops predominantly in young women, men are also at risk ranging from anywhere from 16yrs – 55yrs old, with people who are obese and or smoke at higher risk.

• Inactivity through amplification of feelings of fatigue, you could have 30-50% more brain activity at rest! This means your mental capacity is being wasted on trivial and anxious thoughts!
• Increase anxiety of falls due to imbalance
• Poor ability to regulate heat – you’ll overheat more easily
• Leads to a sedentary lifestyle
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Certain Cancers (Colon and Breast)
• Negative psychological effects
• Inactivity breeds inactivity

• Reduction of co-morbidities and…
• Muscle Weakness improvements
• Balance improvements
• Falls risk reduction
• Fatigue reduction
• Sensory Loss decrease and positive sensory changes
• Reductions of decline in mobility
• Positive Cognitive changes
• Heat sensitivity control
• Positive Vestibular changes
• Pain improvements
• Increased walking Speed

After ~1000 published articles starting in the 1980s, there is no record of exercise having any negative effects on the progressions of MS.

3 important areas to be aware of when exercising with MS are;

– Risk of falls – take extra precautions! One injury could be the difference between living with and without pain, gaining function and losing significant function or living a healthy active lifestyle and being bed bound for extended periods of time. Be vigilant of risk and start exercising with an exercise physiologist to get you moving in a controlled manner.

– Temperature Control – always exercise with cold water ready to drink and a fan or air conditioning when available. Living with MS can mean suffering from heat fatigue much sooner than the average person, water chilled to 1.5°c has proven to be the most effective way to easily cool down the body. So have an icy beverage ready when you are exercising OR better yet jump in the pool and try hydrotherapy!

– Fatigue – High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been proven to be very effective when prescribed correctly to control the intensified feelings of fatigue that people with MS struggle with. You should be breathless at the end of each bout and keep the work: rest ratio at 1:1 to give your body time to cool down.

It is also important to mention that high-intensity exercise can lead to a temporary worsening of your MS symptoms, however, this is only temporary! All studies have shown that this effect only lasts for short periods of time!

Guidelines state that for adults with MS that 30min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise twice per week and strength training twice per week. HIIT is a great way to get all the necessary cardiovascular and muscle growth benefits with more control over body temperature and fatigue levels, get in contact with Be Physiology now to figure out how to exercise with your condition!

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References:

1. Richardson, E. V., Blaylock, S., Barstow, E., Fifolt, M., & Motl, R. W. (2019). Evaluation of a

Conceptual Model to Guide Health Care Providers in Promoting Exercise Among

Persons With Multiple Sclerosis. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 36(1), 109–131.

(Behaviour change)

2. Coote, S., Uszynski, M., Herring, M. P., Hayes, S., Scarrott, C., Newell, J., Gallagher, S.,

Larkin, A., & Motl, R. W. (2017). Effect of exercising at minimum recommendations of

the multiple sclerosis exercise guideline combined with structured education or

attention control education – secondary results of the step it up randomised

controlled trial. BMC Neurology, 17(1), 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-017-0898-y

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-015-0585-6 (Walking, Balance, Cogn., Depression, Fatig.)

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Randomized Controlled Trial. Physical Therapy, 91(8), 1166–1183.

https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20100399 (Vestibular)

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7. Filingeri, D., Chaseling, G., Hoang, P., Barnett, M., Davis, S. L., & Jay, O. (2017). Afferent

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