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Mayo Clinic Minute: Exercise modifications help manage multiple sclerosis
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Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Eoin Flanagan, a Mayo Clinic neurologist, says people living with MS can modify their exercise routines so they don't aggravate symptoms such as poor balance or heat intolerance.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:01) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The nerves often are compared to an electric wire, covered in a protective sheath. With multiple sclerosis, the body attacks that nerve covering.
"That can be in the brain, within the spinal cord or within the optic nerves," Dr. Flanagan says.
While disease-modifying medications are the gold standard for treating patients with multiple sclerosis and reducing MS attacks, daily aerobic exercise may help manage MS symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, says Dr. Flanagan, encouraging at least 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise such as mild to moderate forms of swimming, walking, yoga or tai chi.
"There may be certain tailored types of exercises for MS patients," Dr. Flanagan says, noting a recumbent or stationary bike, for example, may be appropriate for patients with balance issues.
Poorly regulated body temperature often is an MS symptom. If overheating during exercise is a problem, a cooling vest or towel may offer relief.
MS symptoms depend on the patient, the location of nervous system damage and how much that nerve covering, called myelin, has been impaired. Symptoms may range from numbness and tingling to trouble walking to vision loss.
"There are modifications that you can make for MS patients to make sure that they can still do that exercise, but we know that exercise is good for healing, good for plasticity of the nerves, good for the nerves to make new pathways past maybe those scarred areas of MS in the brain or in the spinal cord," Dr. Flanagan says.
Other lifestyle behaviors for multiple sclerosis
Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is a strong recommendation for patients with MS who are smokers. "Smoking is known to make multiple sclerosis worse, and indeed, it's a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis," Dr. Flanagan says.
Consider vitamin D: Some research suggests vitamin D may benefit people with MS. If patients are found to have a vitamin D deficiency, a vitamin D supplement may be recommended, Dr. Flanagan notes.
Follow a Mediterranean diet: Eating a balanced diet also is recommended. Some research shows a Mediterranean diet could slow worsening of MS disability. "What I tell my patients is things like oily fish, fruits and vegetables, very good," Dr. Flanagan says. "On the other hand, burger and fries, not so good."
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