Is physical exercise a multiple sclerosis disease modifying treatment?. (2nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Motl, Robert W.; Pilutti, Lara A.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 16:Number 8(2016)
• Page Start: 951
• Page End: 960
• Publication Date: 2016-08-02
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- exercise -- disease progression -- relapse -- disability; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1193008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : There is consensus that exercise represents a behavioral approach for the restoration of function and management of symptoms among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The current paper provides a review on the topic of exercise and physical activity as MS-disease modifying treatments. Areas covered : Firstly, metrics for evaluating disease modification and progression in MS are described. Secondly, evidence for exercise as a MS-disease modifying therapy based on individual studies, literature reviews, and meta-analyses is summarized. Finally, the paper focuses on major limitations of the existing body of research. Expert commentary : Exercise and physical activity have been associated with reduced relapse rate, mobility disability and its progression, and lesion volume, and improved neuroperformance, particularly walking outcomes. This evidence provides a positive, yet preliminary, picture for exercise having possible effects on markers of disease modification and progression in MS.