Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis

Range of Motion offers Exercise Physiologist designed one-on-one exercise sessions for individuals with this condition. Book a complimentary consultation or contact us to find out more.

The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Condition Overview:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system caused by the demyelinating of nerve cells. This causes reductions in the speed of the conduction of nerve singnals, resulting in impairments of smooth, rapid and controlled movement.

Short Term Response to Exercise:

Levels of impairment are varied, though individuals may experience some or all of the following during exercise:

  • Spasticity.
  • Incoordination.
  • Impaired balance.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle weakness and paralysis.
  • Sensory loss.
  • Numbness.
  • Impaired blood pressure response.
  • Tremors.
  • Heat sensitivity.

Long Term Response to Exercise:

Exercise training has not been shown to have any effect on the progression of the disease, however it does play a role in maintaining functional ability through increased strength, stamina and cardiorespiratory endurance.

Condition Management:

Drug therapy is the most common form of treatment, with many being prescribed to manage symptoms of the condition.Flexibility:

Mulcare, J. A., (2003). Multiple Sclerosis. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 76-80) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics.

Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Founder/Director

Dan Williams is the Director of Range of Motion and leads a team of Exercise Physiologists, Sports Scientists, Physiotherapists and Coaches. He has a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health Science) and a Postgraduate Bachelor of Exercise Rehabilitation Science from The University of Western Australia, with minors in Biomechanics and Sport Psychology.

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