Multiple Sclerosis

Definition:

This is a disorder of the nervous system which leads to loss of power because the muscles are no longer stimulated by the nerves. 

Cause and scope for prevention:

The cause is unknown.  

Diagnosis:

This is made by a neurologist.

Standard medical therapy:

Some people can be helped by DMDs – Disease Modifying Drugs and everyone can benefit from exercise. 

Benefit of exercise therapy:

It was once thought that the   main benefits of movement in people with neurological disease was that it prevented loss of muscle strength and stiffness of the joints. However it is now clear that another important benefit is the direct action on the brain, particularly those parts of the brain adversely affected by injury or disease. It was thought that the brain did not develop or create new cells after   childhood but it is now known that new connections can be formed at any age in what is called neuroplasticity and it may even happen that new nerve cells are created in what is called   neurogenesis. It is very important therefore to practice old skills and gain new skills, there is also a significant psychological benefit.

The Multiple Sclerosis Trust’s website emphasises that everyone can benefit from exercise either   given with the support of a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist or done at home daily. The website has an excellent set of resources covering different types of activity and different problems.

Key references:

Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendations.

Study protocol: improving cognition in   people with progressive multiple sclerosis: a multi-arm, randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise (COGEx).

Key organisation:

Multiple Sclerosis Trust