Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheath surrounding nerves. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, spasticity, heat intolerance, incoordination, and impaired balance. While exercise can help improve strength and fitness for those with MS, it is important they allow for adequate rest and recovery between workouts due to their fatigue and lack of coordination. Precautions must also be taken regarding environment since patients have low heat tolerance.

1. Multiple Sclerosis By: Jerrod Parker

2. Overview Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the myelin sheath which also affects the central nervous system (CNS) In MS there is a loss of myelin causing an interference with nerve conduction. MS is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks specifically the CNS.

3. MS Training Fatigue is a common occurrence in individuals with MS. In order for a person to participate in a training program with MS, its important to allow for adequate rest and recovery. Its important to be well aware of their lack of balance and coordination when training a person with MS. Patients with MS have very low tolerance to heat so it is critical to be aware of the environment.

4. Signs and Symptoms Spasticity Heat intolerance Incoordination Muscle weakness or paralysis Numbness and sensory loss Impaired balance Tremor Cardiovascular dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system causing possible problem with cardioacceleration and reduction of BP response)

5. Causes The cause is unknown Studies have shown that genetics and/or the environment can be a factor in causing MS

6. Medications Amantadine may temporarily reduce fatigue Baclofen, Amitriptyline, fluoxetine, hyoscyamine sulfate these may cause muscle weakness Prednisone may cause muscle weakness, reduced sweating, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis Interferon beta – 1a, produce flu like symptoms Glateramer acetate.

7. Effects of Exercise Exercise can help improve strength endurance and aerobic fitness However exercise does not affect the progression or the prognosis of MS

8. Risk With Exercise It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of MS prior to exercise Without proper knowledge and consideration of symptoms associated with MS a person could have negative side affects or become greatly injured

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6Byn-uTZQc

10. Citations American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Second Edition Web MD/Multiple Sclerosis