Pumping Iron

Pumping iron delivers results for MS patients Researchers in Melbourne have found that exercise can have significant benefits for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), challenging the conventional medical wisdom.

Doctors normally do not recommend that patients with MS do strenuous exercise. A common symptom of the illness is fatigue and many experts believe that doing weights can make it worse. It is also thought that strenuous exercise can affect body temperature and that can then affect nerve conduction for people with MS, exacerbating symptoms like spasticity.

But physiotherapists at Melbourne's La Trobe University have found that putting MS patients through weight training is delivering some excellent results. They have found that patients who do weight training not only became physically stronger but have a huge improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks.

Joy Hall, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago, is one of a handful of people who took part in the weight training trial. "It did give me a lot more energy and I just felt generally stronger, very pleased and very positive," Ms Hall said. "I could walk better because I had the dexterity. I could write better. In fact, my writing is back to normal. In fact, everything is better."

Dawn Prasad from the Australian MS Society says the trial has also had psychological benefits, including "improved confidence and self-esteem". "People felt stronger so they could do more functional tasks and that improves their feelings of wellbeing," Ms Prasad said.

Researchers now want to put larger groups of MS patients through similar fitness programs to see if the benefits can be replicated. Source ABC News Online: www.abc.net.au/news/health/sophie_scott/newsitems/s1243843.htm

NB: There is no mention in this article of how many people with MS took part in this weight training program, nor how long they have been diagnosed. In cases of aggressive, progressive or advanced MS caution is advised in participating in strenuous exercise such as weight training. Before embarking on any such exercise program it is best to consult your Doctor. If you experience any worsening in spasticity or any other ms symptoms is it vital that you stop and rest.

© Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC)