Fitness Friday

Resistance Training May Slow Multiple Sclerosis Progression

It has recently been shown that physical activity can relieve many of the symptoms of MS, including excessive fatigue and mobility. However, new research shows that resistance training may protect the nervous system and thus slow progression of the disease. 

For decades, physicians advised their patients diagnosed with MS against taking part in physical activity, for fear that it may exacerbate and worsen the condition. However, recent research has shown that physical activity actually has the opposite effect of what was previously thought and that exercise actually benefits those diagnosed with MS. Physical activity may have even more benefit for prevention in these patients, however, due to recent research conducted by Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, the University of Southern Denmark, and the University Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The researchers followed 35 people with multiple sclerosis for six months, with half of the group engaging in physical exercise two times a week and the other half living their lives without regimented exercise.

Prior to the six-month training, the participants had their brains MR Scanned. Upon completion of the program, the researchers found that there was a tendency of less brain shrinkage in the patients who had a regimented workout. For patients with MS, there are already drugs that counter the effects of brain shrinkage. However, if further studies conducted on this matter confirm the initial findings of slowing brain shrinkage, the effects could be even greater when coupled with the drug. With further research needed in this area, the researchers recommended that patients with MS not throw themselves into exercise programs without first seeking professional advice.