Aa
Exercise in MS
Hi All,
Here is one link I found about exercise for MS. I am looking for more.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staying_well_with_multiple_sclerosis_ms/page2_em.htm#Exercise%20and%20Diet
The purpose of exercise is to maintain flexibility and strength (and independence), and also to contribute to well-being. May also be as rehab between acute periods. It will be very important to do exercises properly to prevent injury and also to ensure maximum benefit for time and effort spent.
Important would be to get enough rest and to work within limits, but that doesn't mean not pushing yourself - rather it means controlled pushing (that's how we improve) and then conscientious recovery. One rational approach is what I have been using in my triathlon (and has been very successful for me, and even more so now, I guess) is Heart Rate based training. This means that I nearly always work in my aerobic zones. For me, this means I keep my heart rate less than 140 bpm (usual target is about 134 for a moderate effort, but for an easy effort my HR can be around 120 bpm - note that my maximum HR is about 180 bpm and I have achieved this in all out efforts). I can run with my heart maintained at this level. The benefit of this is that it minimizes stress on the body, while also contributing to aerobic fitness. I can post more on this approach later.
Better go. Am still at work. Am SOOOOO distracted with all this health stuff at the moment. :(
S
Here is one link I found about exercise for MS. I am looking for more.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staying_well_with_multiple_sclerosis_ms/page2_em.htm#Exercise%20and%20Diet
The purpose of exercise is to maintain flexibility and strength (and independence), and also to contribute to well-being. May also be as rehab between acute periods. It will be very important to do exercises properly to prevent injury and also to ensure maximum benefit for time and effort spent.
Important would be to get enough rest and to work within limits, but that doesn't mean not pushing yourself - rather it means controlled pushing (that's how we improve) and then conscientious recovery. One rational approach is what I have been using in my triathlon (and has been very successful for me, and even more so now, I guess) is Heart Rate based training. This means that I nearly always work in my aerobic zones. For me, this means I keep my heart rate less than 140 bpm (usual target is about 134 for a moderate effort, but for an easy effort my HR can be around 120 bpm - note that my maximum HR is about 180 bpm and I have achieved this in all out efforts). I can run with my heart maintained at this level. The benefit of this is that it minimizes stress on the body, while also contributing to aerobic fitness. I can post more on this approach later.
Better go. Am still at work. Am SOOOOO distracted with all this health stuff at the moment. :(
S
That is wonderful to hear about your experience with exercise. Keep up the good work!
Just got back from a bike ride. Have had to reduce what I did from before, but at least I am still doing something I enjoy so much (no diagnosis for me yet so still hoping )..... Going to have a sleep in a bit - I'm very tired now :) ..... before I get on to other stuff.
Maybe others can share their positive experience with staying active and encourage those here.... particularly how and what you do.
S
Just got back from a bike ride. Have had to reduce what I did from before, but at least I am still doing something I enjoy so much (no diagnosis for me yet so still hoping )..... Going to have a sleep in a bit - I'm very tired now :) ..... before I get on to other stuff.
Maybe others can share their positive experience with staying active and encourage those here.... particularly how and what you do.
S
I do go to a fitness center 5 days a week.Beleive me I couldn't run a mile,but the exercising has helped.
Some days I work on strength and others endurance.
Treadmill work has helped(don't need cane for short distances anymore).
Exercising can be difficult with the leg braces,but most of my routines have been tailored around them.Plus each machine comes with personal fans.
I have seen a difference.
Some days I work on strength and others endurance.
Treadmill work has helped(don't need cane for short distances anymore).
Exercising can be difficult with the leg braces,but most of my routines have been tailored around them.Plus each machine comes with personal fans.
I have seen a difference.
An idea is to attend an MS support group and see if there are any serious athletes there or if theyknow of one. Just say that MS is being considered. Or, my local MS chapter (being in Portland, of course) has LOTS on exercise and athletics and maybe yurs could point you to some of the more active groups. a thought. Q
I read the same thing. I read the articles you posted the link to.
Right now, I'm just trying to juggle baby and work. 8 month old baby boys are an exercise routine in and of themselves. In all my years of training, I don't think I've worked that hard. :)
I don't really have people to work out with. The people I used to work out with, are training for some serious racing (championships and stuff). I can't work out with them, and I can't ask them to go too easy, and interfere with training. My family and friends think I'm crazy and a drill sergeant when it comes to working out, so no one on that side. Any recommendations? I'm nervous about working out alone because a few months back I had a hard time coming back from a walk with my son. My mom had to help me out. I used to ride/run with a cell phone, but not sure if that will help if I end up in an area with no service.
Right now, I'm just trying to juggle baby and work. 8 month old baby boys are an exercise routine in and of themselves. In all my years of training, I don't think I've worked that hard. :)
I don't really have people to work out with. The people I used to work out with, are training for some serious racing (championships and stuff). I can't work out with them, and I can't ask them to go too easy, and interfere with training. My family and friends think I'm crazy and a drill sergeant when it comes to working out, so no one on that side. Any recommendations? I'm nervous about working out alone because a few months back I had a hard time coming back from a walk with my son. My mom had to help me out. I used to ride/run with a cell phone, but not sure if that will help if I end up in an area with no service.
Hi,
So far I don't have noticeable heat intollerance (good - considering I live in a tropical country). Touch wood!
The best type of exercise will be one that you enjoy and can do consistently. It should also take into account any disabilities or problems you have. Ie. if you have balance problems, etc.
Treadmill walking may be ok. Even with balance problems (there are railings). Stationary bike. Other training machines. Swimming is idea because the water can be cool. I can still run outdoors, swim, and bike. However, for now am avoiding possible danger areas, like busy highways..... and am always exercising with a companion or in a safe environment.
Sally
I read one review that said weight training can be very beneficial at maintaining strength...... and it can be done in a cool environment.
So far I don't have noticeable heat intollerance (good - considering I live in a tropical country). Touch wood!
The best type of exercise will be one that you enjoy and can do consistently. It should also take into account any disabilities or problems you have. Ie. if you have balance problems, etc.
Treadmill walking may be ok. Even with balance problems (there are railings). Stationary bike. Other training machines. Swimming is idea because the water can be cool. I can still run outdoors, swim, and bike. However, for now am avoiding possible danger areas, like busy highways..... and am always exercising with a companion or in a safe environment.
Sally
I read one review that said weight training can be very beneficial at maintaining strength...... and it can be done in a cool environment.
One more thing, I forgot.
My son's swim instructor at the Y told my father and I that the water temperature they are told to keep for their MS patients is between 79 and 81 degrees F. They said the cooler temperatures were recommended for exercise in MS patients because of the heat sensitivity issues.
My son's swim instructor at the Y told my father and I that the water temperature they are told to keep for their MS patients is between 79 and 81 degrees F. They said the cooler temperatures were recommended for exercise in MS patients because of the heat sensitivity issues.
Sorry about that.
To add to the heart rate based training. A heart rate monitor is easy to acquire. Polar is the number one brand, and you can get one for $100 and lasts for two years at least.
I've also found that the heart rate is more accurate than rate of perceived exertion, because RPE differs based on your personal attitude towards exercising that day, and your heart rate isn't as affected.
Karina, these exercises can be part of physical therapy or in addition to. It depends more on the PT you see and what benefits you are looking for. If you get the right PT, these exercises will be assigned to you, like homework. And the "therapy" exercises will be done in the office.
I'm stuck right now because I have a mild back injury and a foot injury so I have been asked not to exercise. I'm going to speak with my coach and chiropractor/trainer about this very thing tomorrow. I'm going to use what I they say to discuss wiht my neurologist on Tuesday. I'll keep you posted.
To add to the heart rate based training. A heart rate monitor is easy to acquire. Polar is the number one brand, and you can get one for $100 and lasts for two years at least.
I've also found that the heart rate is more accurate than rate of perceived exertion, because RPE differs based on your personal attitude towards exercising that day, and your heart rate isn't as affected.
Karina, these exercises can be part of physical therapy or in addition to. It depends more on the PT you see and what benefits you are looking for. If you get the right PT, these exercises will be assigned to you, like homework. And the "therapy" exercises will be done in the office.
I'm stuck right now because I have a mild back injury and a foot injury so I have been asked not to exercise. I'm going to speak with my coach and chiropractor/trainer about this very thing tomorrow. I'm going to use what I they say to discuss wiht my neurologist on Tuesday. I'll keep you posted.
So do they tell you what type of exercise to do on these sites? I don't have time to look them up now, need to get ready to go to work. Are these alternitives tophysical therapy or are they in addition to physical therapy? Sorry don't have time to read links. Need to go get ready for work. Thanks for info. Karina
http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/images/journal/pdf/journal_2005_v7_n2_Multiple_Sclerosis.pdf
(this is a comprehensive literature review. Appropriate exercise is not harmful. May result in functional and perceived improvements based on recovery of inactivity / lifestyle caused weakness and strength loss).
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-exercise
http://www.copaxone.com/aboutMS/exercise.aspx?s_kwcid=multiple%20sclerosis%20and%20exercise|674754012
(this is a comprehensive literature review. Appropriate exercise is not harmful. May result in functional and perceived improvements based on recovery of inactivity / lifestyle caused weakness and strength loss).
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-exercise
http://www.copaxone.com/aboutMS/exercise.aspx?s_kwcid=multiple%20sclerosis%20and%20exercise|674754012
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
