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About MS
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Types of exercise
There is no single exercise that could be called an ‘MS exercise’. MS affects people in different ways, so what’s suitable will vary from person to person. You may find that what you want from an exercise regime changes over time.
The types of exercise listed below help the body keep fit in a variety of ways.
Exercises for specific MS symptoms
Strengthening exercises
These include lifting and moving small weights, but can also involve using the body’s own weight to strengthen muscles and bones. If you have tremor or spasms, pulling against an elastic exercise band might be easier than using weights.
Aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises such as cycling, running or rowing, use many different groups of muscles and work the heart and lungs. Exercises that work just the arms or just the legs can also be helpful. This is sometimes known as ‘cardiovascular’ exercise. The key to aerobic exercise is to maintain a moderate level of activity for a reasonable length of time – at least twenty minutes, if possible. Whatever you are able to do, though, remember that exercise at any level is better than none at all.
Stretching
Stretching helps keep muscles supple and relaxed. It is important to stretch before and after strengthening or aerobic exercises. It can also be a useful form of exercise on its own.
Range-of-motion
Range-of-motion is often used together with stretching. It involves moving joints so that they go through as full a range of movement as possible. For example, moving the arms, legs, wrists and ankles in wide reaching circular patterns.
Passive stretching
Passive stretching can help where MS has made it hard to control particular muscles, or has restricted the use of an arm or leg. Passive stretching involves a physiotherapist or carer helping to move your arms or legs to create a stretch and move the joints.
Posture
Posture exercises help keep your feet, knees, pelvis, shoulders and head properly aligned, to reduce strain on the muscles and bones in the body. This could involve strengthening muscles around the back, chest and stomach areas, to give support to the body and help with balance and position when standing up and when sitting down.
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Page last updated on 20 Dec 06 by Ellie
Chapman.
Page next due for review on 20 Jun 07
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