EXERCISE AND SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: WHAT HAS BEEN KNOWN SO FAR?

Auwal Abdullahi

Department of Physiotherapy

 Bayero University, Kano

e-mail: therapistauwal@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Exercise was thought to exacerbate the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis before now. However, an avalanche of researches reported otherwise, presently. Exercise has beneficial effects to persons with Multiple Sclerosis. These effects range from improved cognition, memory, gait and mobility, self efficacy, balance and many other improvements. The exercises known to be good for this category of patients include Strength exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness exercise and aquatic exercise. Persons with multiple sclerosis present clinically with witness, gait disturbance, cognitive decline, memory impairment, etc. These could render the persons affected incapable of observing their activities of daily living and hence would have reduced quality of life. The symptoms are due to demyelination taking place especially in the periventricular and perivenular regions of the CNS. Thankfully, exercise is now known to improve the symptoms of this condition. This is because, it is neuroregenerative, neuroprotective and it improves immune functions.

Keywords: Exercise, Multiple Sclerosis, Symptoms