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MS and Exercise

Summary & Participants

Regular exercise can improve the lives of people at all stages of multiple sclerosis.

Medically Reviewed On: April 28, 2008

Webcast Transcript

BABS PASTERNAK: Hi. I'm Babs Pasternak, and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. I'm here today to share my experiences and the challenges I face maintaining an active exercise program. Exercise has always been an important part of my life, and it can be for nearly everyone who has MS.

BARBARA GIESSER, MD: The goals of exercise for anybody should be to maintain fitness, to maintain muscle tone and flexibility, to help increase endurance, to help improve fatigue. For people with MS or limited mobility, there may be other benefits, such as reducing or fighting off bone thinning. Regular exercise can also improve bladder and bowel function.

JODY CORMACK, DPT, MSEd, NCS: It can actually improve your strength, it can improve your mobility, and there's actually literature that shows it can improve your mood. It just makes you feel better.

BABS PASTERNAK: People at almost every stage of MS can participate in some form of exercise.

JODY CORMACK, DPT, MSEd, NCS: You just need to modify the way that you do the exercise. So, certainly, someone that's ambulatory can do a different sort of exercise than someone who's in a wheelchair. But everyone can do exercise. You can do exercises from your wheelchair by raising your arms, lifting your legs, by pushing your wheelchair. There's all sorts of different exercises you can do at different levels.

BABS PASTERNAK: I've been working with the same personal trainer at my gym for 20 years. Finding the right trainer or physical therapist can determine how effective your exercise program will be.

ELIZABETH MORRISON, MD: I think it's good for people with MS to work with an exercise professional, most likely physical therapist, to decide on what kind of exercise is best for them. And after having an evaluation by an exercise professional, it really helps the person target in on the kind of exercise program that will be safe and beneficial for them.

JODY CORMACK, DPT, MSEd, NCS: It's always important that that person with multiple sclerosis consider themselves a partner, that they understand their bodies best, and it's going to be important for them to communicate that to whoever it is that they're working with.

BABS PASTERNAK: I was an avid runner and swimmer when I was diagnosed with MS. When I couldn't run anymore, I walked and I swam. My mobility is not the same as it used to be, but I continued to adapt my exercise program to include activities that I enjoy. Elizabeth Morrison is a physician and an avid cyclist living with MS who has also learned to adapt.

ELIZABETH MORRISON, MD: I have always enjoyed cycling, and I found, though, that because of the MS I would get fatigue. I'd get a little bit of weakness on my left side and some neck pain. And so I was able to find a recumbent bike that allows me to still ride as much as I want, and I can probably ride twice as far as I can on a regular bike.

BABS PASTERNAK: There are a variety of exercises that can be beneficial for people with MS. I take yoga classes, ride modified bikes, swim, kayak and lift weights. Other people with MS also participate in Pilates, tai chi, aerobics and other activities that can be adapted.

BABS PASTERNAK: But when you have MS and you're exercising, you really need to listen to your body and understand your limitations.

JODY CORMACK, DPT, MSEd, NCS: It's always important when you exercise to consider time of day, to consider heat. Anything that might normally set off an exacerbation you need to be careful about. So usually, we recommend with exercise, to recommend in a good time of day, which is typically in the morning, in a cooler environment, using fans, using misters, using cool vests, drinking a lot of water, just making sure that you keep your core body temperature down.

BABS PASTERNAK: Choosing an exercise program that fits your needs can help you reach your goals.

JODY CORMACK, DPT, MSEd, NCS: It's also important to think of what your goals are as a person with multiple sclerosis. Are your goals to just feel better? Are your goals to socialize? Are your goals functional? Based on those goals, after working with a health care professional you can then determine what program is best for you.

BABS PASTERNAK: 22 years after my diagnosis, I am still walking -- slowly, but I'm still walking. I really believe that exercise has helped me maintain my mobility and has kept me active. When you're living with MS, everything can be difficult, and sometimes the hardest part is just getting out of bed and physically getting to the gym. But after my workout I feel energized and ready for the world.