Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Part 1

When people with multiple sclerosis exercise, it promotes the production of proteins called nerve growth factors. These proteins play an important role by aiding in the growth and maintenance of neurons in the brain. This is according to research by lead author, Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, in a study at Ohio State University.

The study looked at many things, including fitness, cognitive function, and changes in the brains structure. They studied 21 women who had RRMS or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Exercise seemed to protect the brains of the women who were more fit.

These women were able to do better on cognitive function tests than women who were less fit. The brains of women who exercised more had more gray matter. This gray matter is what helps the brain process things better. There is also less damage to the brain where MS lesions usually show up.

Here is what Ruchika Prakash said about their findings:

In a nutshell, when people with multiple sclerosis exercise, the following things can happen:

protects the brain
causes better cognitive performance
less damage to white matter
higher volume of gray matter
promotes growth of nerve growth factors
help in maintenance of neurons

So the question is, are you exercising? If so, than you have a head start in keeping your brain healthy. If not, now is as good a time as any to start. Give your brain a boost and hopefully you can head off some of the damage caused by MS.

But what types of exercises are best for MSers? Click here to go find out.

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