2023-07-30 20:36:49
Is it advisable for people with multiple sclerosis to exercise? How can it benefit them physically and mentally? And what activities would then be the most appropriate?
Before answering these questions, let’s get to know a little better regarding a disease that fully affects the nervous system and suffered by one in 3,000 people in the world.
Under normal conditions, our nerve fibers are covered by a layer called myelin, which protects and facilitates the conduction of electrical impulses. In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, causing the transmission of those impulses to be inadequate, leading to a wide variety of symptoms.
These manifestations vary according to the area of the nervous system affected. The most common include fatigue, spasticity (muscle contraction), bladder control problems, mobility difficulties, balance and coordination problems, muscle weakness, pain, and cognitive and emotional disturbances.
In addition to this varied symptomatology, it is important to note that the disease can progress differently in each patient. Thus, there are people who always suffer from some of these symptoms, while others experience periods where they disappear or diminish and then arise once more. These relapses are known as “flare-ups.”
The (undoubted) benefits of physical activity
Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are treatments that can help control symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. In this regard, physical exercise can be a useful strategy to reduce fatigue, restore mobility, and maintain or increase physical fitness, which results in the well-being of patients.
Such benefits are widely known, but people with multiple sclerosis tend to be less active than the general population. Finding out what type of exercise is most beneficial for your individual needs might help you be physically active and improve your health.
What are the most recommended exercises?
There is no single prescription to improve all symptoms and cover the health needs of patients. However, current scientific evidence tells us that some types of activities are more effective than others depending on the objective:
For relieve fatigue o Improve Life Quality It is recommended to do exercises that include aerobic resistance activities (walking, running, cycling…) together with others that develop muscle strength through the use of dumbbells, conventional weight machines and elastic bands, exercises with one’s own body weight, training on vibrating platforms, etc. It is also convenient to carry out activities to improve balance with unstable platforms, adopting different positions and points of support. To achieve benefits it would be necessary to perform two to three sessions per week for at least 6-12 weeks, with a total duration of 45 to 100 minutes per session.
if it is intended increase mental well-beingexperts recommend Pilates exercises, with a frequency of twice a week for eight weeks, with sessions of 60 to 90 minutes.
For improve physical well-being and cardiorespiratory function it is advisable to practice activities such as walking, running (outdoors or on a treadmill) or cycling. It should be performed 2 to 5 times a week for a period of 8 to 15 weeks, with a duration of 30 to 50 minutes per session.
When the goal is improve muscle fitnessthe most effective is strength training using conventional weight machines, exercises with your own body weight or training on vibration platforms, with a frequency of two to three times per week for a period of 8 to 24 weeks.
And before we start…
As we said above, multiple sclerosis affects each patient differently, so before getting down to work it is advisable to follow the following “road map”:
Consult with a doctor. This specialist will make a prior assessment of the state of health and will refer you to the appropriate professional. Sometimes interdisciplinary work teams are required.
Know the symptoms of the disease well and be able to detect if there are outbreaks or worsening.
Know the barriers and facilities that each person has to perform physical exercise. This will allow it to be adapted to your needs and possibilities, achieving greater adherence to treatment and the practice becoming a habit.
Have the advice and supervision of an experienced physical exercise specialist. This is essential, because the professional will design the exercise with the progression and intensities adapted to the state of health of each patient.
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