After completing the MS Swimathon we thought it would be good to discuss the role of exercise physiology in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
So what is Multiple sclerosis?
Multiple scelrosis or MS is a neurodegenerative disease that effects almost 31,000 people in Australia alone. MS primarily effects women with almost 3 quarters of the diagnosed population being female and the average age of diagnosis being 32 years of age.
There are 4 types of MS with the most
common being Relapsing Remitting
MS (85%) . Other subtypes such as Primary Progressive make up the rest of the statistics with varying physiological differences, response to medication and rate of relapse seen between them. A study by Feinstein & Colleagues (2015) identified the most common symptoms reported by people with MS. As can be seen mobility impairment, balance and
weakness were highly rated symptoms.
How Do We Treat MS?
Medication intervention has really come a long way in the last 20 years, however, some subtypes such as Primary Progressive do not respond to medication. MS needs to be managed by a specialist team including your local GP and nurses, but there is a huge role for Allied Health. Cue Exercise Physiology:
Exercise physiology can help in the management of MS by addressing and treating commonly reported symptoms. Unfortunately as MS is neuro-degenerative condition, management is key!
Exercise helps with balance, weakness, fatigue, mobility, improvement in quality of life and the management of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
So What’s The Process for Exercise Physiology?
First you attend an initial appointment and one of our specialist EP's , where we will take you through a comprehensive, thorough assessment- This is extremely important as every individuals MS journey is different, so to ensure optimal care make sure your chosen allied health professional has experience with MS.
We then determine what combination works best FOR YOU, and the most suitable environment . This is important as even the smallest changes in temperature can effect and negatively impact functions such as vision.
We will then design and implement an individualized program to take you through through, and ensure that we continue to monitor and adjust the program as needed.
Evidence and Recommendations For Exercising?
There is strong evidence for the use of aerobic (cardiovascular exercise) and resistance training (weights) and flexibility and stretching for managing symptoms of MS.
Current recommendations as per Exercise Sports Australia (ESSA):
“To achieve optimal benefits from exercise, people with MS who have mild to moderate disability need to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise twice per week and strengthening exercises of major muscles affected by MS twice per week.”
Where To Next?
If you or anyone you know would like to know more, request a booking to get your assessment and program started today.
We can't turn back time on MS, but we can help you manage it going forwards.
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