Exercise may help alleviate fatigue in people with MS.

Exercise may help alleviate fatigue in people with MS.

How Exercise and Physical Fitness Can Reduce Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common types of MS is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), characterized by periods of symptoms followed by periods of remission. Fatigue is a prevalent symptom among MS patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. However, recent research from the University of Eastern Finland suggests that regular exercise and improved physical fitness have a positive effect on reducing fatigue in individuals with RRMS.

The study, led by doctoral researcher Marko Luostarinen, aimed to explore the relationship between fatigue and disability in RRMS patients, as well as the impact of physical activity on fatigue levels. The researchers utilized various assessment methods, including measures of fatigue, disability, and physical activity, to gather comprehensive data.

Interestingly, the findings indicated a strong correlation between fatigue levels and disability in RRMS patients. Those with moderate disability scores (0 to 2.5 on the expanded disability status scale) experienced higher levels of fatigue compared to healthy participants. However, they had less fatigue than individuals with higher disability scores (3 to 5.5).

The research also revealed a direct connection between daily physical activity levels and fatigue. Patients who engaged in more physical activity reported lower levels of fatigue. Thus, the study suggests that finding a suitable form of exercise tailored to each patient’s abilities and disability status can enhance functional capacity and reduce fatigue.

Luostarinen comments, “The findings are interesting and support previous studies very well. Patients with MS should find a suitable form of exercise, taking into account their disability, which maintains their functional capacity and reduces fatigue.” This underscores the importance of personalized exercise programs for individuals with RRMS, considering their unique challenges and limitations.

Although the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between physical fitness and fatigue in RRMS patients, Luostarinen emphasizes the need for more detailed research in this area. Future studies should delve deeper into patients’ disability levels and their actual physical activity levels to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of exercise on fatigue.

These promising findings, recently published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, offer new hope for MS patients seeking effective strategies to manage their fatigue. Through regular exercise and improved physical fitness, individuals with RRMS may experience a reduction in fatigue symptoms, leading to an improved overall quality of life.

Exercise and MS

Conclusion

As research continues to uncover the many benefits of exercise, the potential impact on MS patients is particularly encouraging. While fatigue is a common symptom of MS, incorporating regular physical activity into patients’ lives may provide relief and help them better manage their condition. The findings from this study highlight the importance of maintaining functional capacity through suitable exercise tailored to each individual’s disability level. By embracing physical fitness, patients with RRMS can potentially reduce fatigue, improve their overall well-being, and enhance their daily lives. Further research in this field will undoubtedly offer even greater insights, allowing healthcare professionals to develop more targeted and effective exercise programs for MS patients in the future.

For more information on multiple sclerosis, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Source: University of Eastern Finland, news release, Aug. 8, 2023