Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) — a congressionally chartered veterans organization open to all military service members with multiple sclerosis (MS) — has launched a new, free, online fitness and wellness program that offers adaptive, expert-led classes for individuals with mobility challenges. The initiative is designed specifically…
exercise
Regular physical activity was independently linked to lower disability, fatigue, and depression over time in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study found. Other lifestyle factors also supported better outcomes. For example, eating a higher-quality diet was independently associated with less disability, while not smoking was…
A Georgia State University researcher won a $1 million U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant to study whether a program combining cognitive training with exercise can help prevent falls in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). “Falls are so common — and frightening — in older adults,” Katherine…
Aquatic therapy significantly eased fatigue and improved balance in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in a clinical trial in Greece, outperforming results from a control group who participated in a conventional physiotherapy program. “Our work suggests that incorporating [aquatic therapy] into MS care can meaningfully alleviate fatigue and balance deficits,…
Resistance training may be the most effective type of exercise for easing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially when programs last longer than eight weeks, a meta-analysis found. The study, “Effects of exercise on fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis…
Aerobic exercise may help promote myelin repair in some parts of the brain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a small study. Though the study included a small number of participants and followed them for a short period of time, the findings suggest that “supporting metabolic health…
People genetically prone to a higher body mass index (BMI) are also more likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), a study finds. The findings confirm an association between being overweight or obese and a higher likelihood of developing MS, and suggest that lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight…
Three self-reported prevalent symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) – fatigue, mobility issues, and cognitive impairment – are generally not associated with lower engagement in healthy lifestyle factors, a study in Australia shows. However, in the long term, mobility difficulties may significantly reduce adherence to physical activity, a…
Regular exercise that follows established guidelines for physical activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to clinically meaningful gains in depression and supports its use as a nonpharmacological treatment for people with MS, a meta-analysis of 12 studies suggests. The meta-analysis, “Effects of meeting exercise guidelines on depression and…
Vibration therapy, which provides mechanical stimulation to activate muscles and sensory receptors, may offer a promising new approach for easing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new data from a clinical trial. Patients who received vibration therapy reported reduced perceived fatigue and also showed significant gains…
Infections and stressful life events in childhood may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), while childhood exercise is associated with lower MS risk, according to a study. The findings, part of the German National Cohort (NAKO) population study, imply that programs to encourage physical activity and prevent…
Task-oriented training may help balance issues for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly when combined with conventional physiotherapy, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. But the study came with a note of caution. “These findings suggest inconsistent outcomes and highlight the need for cautious interpretation and further research,”…
For many years after being diagnosed in 1992 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), Carolyn Cannistraro didn’t want to think about having MS, let alone tell others about her condition. But now Cannistraro is aiming to complete three races across New York City within 60 days using a handcycle. She…
Non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness and exercise may improve sleep for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) while boosting overall psychological well-being and quality of life, according to a meta-analysis of several studies. While the studies were very different from each other, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions, the…
While a four-month progressive resistance training program improved muscle strength in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) in the Netherlands, it did not significantly change their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a small study showed. Individual cardiovascular risk factors and 10-year risk estimation tools showed no significant changes…
Exercise programs that are culturally tailored to Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS) may help these patients engage in regular physical activity, according to an interview-based study. The patients surveyed also say they prefer exercise that’s performed three to five days per week, and led by a coach in community…
Some exercises are better than others at easing certain problems associated with balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and the most effective type may depend on a patient’s specific issue, a small study suggested. The findings “provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of these exercises,” the researchers…
Yara Essam takes a selfie in a mirror during one of her many gym sessions. (Photos courtesy of Yara Essam) Day 14 of 31 This is Yara Essam’s story: I’d always been fairly healthy as a child — barely getting sick, eating well, and constantly moving my body. That’s…
Exercise effectively reduces fatigue and improves muscular fitness in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), though the optimal exercise type and dose differ for each outcome, according to a meta-analysis of published studies involving more than 3,500 patients. Mind-body exercise, which combines physical movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing, was…
Music and dance have always been my medicine. From decompressing during medical school to adjusting to life with multiple sclerosis (MS) or getting through motherhood, music and movement have never let me down. We all have that friend we dream with, making preposterous plans. For me, that friend was…
I’ve been trying to improve my health through lifestyle changes, which I hope will have a positive effect on my multiple sclerosis (MS). In an earlier column, I discussed my struggles to eat a healthy diet. An update: I now eat more fish (not just salmon) and vegetables.
A clinical trial is evaluating whether combining a cognitive rehabilitation program with a virtual reality (VR)-based aerobic exercise regimen will improve learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and motor disability. Researchers expect the approach will show cognitive benefits via positive effects on a brain region called…
While watching the Olympics recently, l found myself reminiscing about the days when I played sports. I used to dream about becoming the next Shannon Miller in gymnastics or Mia Hamm in soccer. A more realistic dream was playing sports in college, but that goal quickly became unattainable. In eighth…
I choose to fundraise for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Bike MS, which the society’s website says is “the largest fundraising cycling series in the world.” Approximately 50,000 cyclists and 5,000 teams ride each year, and the community has raised $1.4 billion to support the society’s…
A three month cognitive rehabilitation program, with or without aerobic exercise, increased tissue volume and activity in brain regions linked to cognition among people with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), clinical trial data suggests. The MRI findings offer potential biological explanations about why cognitive rehabilitation leads to cognitive…
Resistance training by middle-aged people with multiple sclerosis (MS) was linked with significant improvements in muscle strength in a recent meta-analysis of previous clinical trial data. The analysis indicated the benefits of such training, which is designed to boost strength and endurance, were more variable in fatigue and quality…
Understanding how exercise benefits people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the aim of a trio of U.S. scientists who has published a new framework to help guide research into the subject. “Our objective is guiding the field toward evidence that facilitates the prescription and promotion of [exercise training] as…
A Marquette University team is leading a new project that will combine balance and cardio training with the goal of improving the walking abilities of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Led by Marquette biomedical engineering professor Brian Schmit, PhD, the project — which is supported by a $3.34 million…
Jen Willis treks to the Lobuche high camp in the Everest region in Nepal. (Photos courtesy of Jen Willis) Day 27 of 31 This is Jen Willis’ story: It was June 12, 2008. I was 37 years old and had given birth to my third child just six days…
Getting physical exercise can improve subjective well-being and health-related quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new meta-analysis shows. “Exercise interventions, especially aerobic or combined aerobic and resistance training, should be implemented in clinical practice to promote mental health” and health-related quality of life in people…