Article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous
system (CNS) affecting >2.5 million people worldwide.
Damage to neurons in the
CNS causes various sensorimotor and cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, pain,
spasticity, memory deficits, and impairment of mobility. Until the late 1990s, it
was believed that symptoms of MS would be worsened with physical exertion and
people with MS were encouraged to limit physical activity and exertion. Not only
has emerging evidence suggested that physical activity, including exercise, is
safe for people with MS, there is also evidence that at least some of the
disability that occurs after MS is due to secondary deconditioning from the
sedentary lifestyle adopted because of the symptoms of MS, not just CNS damage
alone. Therefore, not only is physical activity safe, it is also required for
maintaining function and health in people with MS. The purpose of this article is
to review the unique physical and social barriers to physical activity in people
with MS, including those with moderate to severe disability who use a wheelchair
or scooter for mobility. We will discuss how existing guidelines for physical
activity may not meet the needs of people with MS and present evidence-based
considerations for promoting physical activity in people with MS. Ultimately, the
goal is to overcome the barriers to physical activity and improve health,
participation, and quality of life in people with MS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS