Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and body.
Symptoms vary but often include fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and reduced mobility.
Exercise plays an important role in managing these symptoms and supporting overall function.
Understanding MS and Movement
MS involves demyelination of nerve fibres, which slows or disrupts nerve signal transmission.
This can lead to:
- Reduced motor control
- Increased fatigue
- Impaired balance
- Decreased muscle activation
But How Can Exercise Help?
Improving Neuromuscular Function
Exercise enhances communication between the nervous system and muscles by:
- Improving motor unit recruitment (your ability to recruit muscles for a task)
- Increasing neuromuscular efficiency
- Reinforcing movement patterns
This helps compensate for impaired neural signalling.
Maintaining Muscle Strength and Function
Reduced activity and neural input can lead to muscle weakness.
Resistance training helps:
- Maintain muscle mass
- Improve force production
- Support functional movement
This is critical for maintaining independence.
Managing Fatigue Through Efficiency
Fatigue in MS is multifactorial, including both neurological and physical components.
Exercise improves:
- Movement efficiency
- Energy utilisation
- Cardiovascular capacity
Over time, this can reduce the perceived effort of daily activities.
Improving Balance and Coordination
MS often affects proprioception and coordination.
Targeted exercise can:
- Improve sensory feedback
- Enhance postural control
- Reduce fall risk
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Emerging evidence suggests exercise may:
- Promote neuroplasticity: Aiding in the management or improvement of neural pathways
- Increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor): Leading to improved capacity for memory, learning, and cognitive function
- Reduce systemic inflammation
These effects may support long-term neurological health.
Exercise Considerations for MS
Programs should be:
- Flexible based on symptom variability
- Monitored for fatigue and overheating
- Individually progressed
Cooling strategies and adequate rest are often important.
How The Active Studio Can Help
At The Active Studio, we design individualised exercise programs for people living with MS, focusing on improving strength, coordination, and overall functional capacity.
Looking for support managing MS through exercise?
Get in touch to learn how we can help!
