Plenty of Possibilities: MS and Sport

This article has been published in the German magazine "aktiv dabei" by the sports society for the handicapped in North-Rhine Westphalia.

Winston Churchill's popular excerpt "no sports" has lost relevance in the momentary fitness-society. Today, sport is associated with health, fun and convivial gatherings. But people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) have only limited access to plenty of sport offers even though physical activities can have a positive effect on them.

01/01/2006

"Can and may I do sports even when I have MS?" this question is relevant to those patients who are relatively able-bodied. The answer: sport is a fundamental instrument to keep physical restrictions as small as possible. Coordinative tasks make it possible that the nervous system assumes and compensates the function of the affected nervous fibres; similar to the procedures from motoric learning or the apoplexia therapy. Activity and regular exercises are recommended, especially physical activity prevent complications from diseases such as thromboses, infection sensitivity, contractions, osteoporosis and also resignation of the patient.

Targets of sport are for example :

• Advancement of the coordination and cardiovascular functions


• Feeling more secure when using implements (for example wheel chairs)


• Overcoming the isolation tendencies


• Increasing self respect through experiencing own ability


• Raising the quality of life to an active participation in social life

Which kind of sport is good for me and which isn't? This question cannot be answered easily. What can be said: The personal targets should not be orientated on the usual "higher, faster, further" attitude and on the technical perfection of sport motion sequences. It is important not to overdo it. Therefore a healthy assessment of one's own maximum level is important

Sports which are combined with fast reactions like ball games, are less adequate. Just like activities which could not easily be interrupted (long ski tours or swimming lengths in free waters). Water sports like rowing or paddling can be reasonable and even have a high challenge and adventure character.

Even Sports which don't count to the most popular ones like diving aren't basically off limits. Priority should be the happy cooperation without exorbitant thoughts of effort and essential security aspects.

Muscle contractions and limited mobility are common complications of MS. The prior task is the conservation and advancement of the mobility with the help of gymnastic exercises which can be done in rehab sports groups.

Warmth seems to shortly aggravate the neurological symptoms of a lot of MS-relevant people (Uhthoff-phenomenon). Therefore, the trainer should batch the task so that every person finds their own level of activity. The rooms should be well aired and the exercise could be delayed to cooler times of the day. Also, the sun could be avoided and plenty of breaks and a relaxing finish of the exercise should also be considered.

As a result it should be said that individual picture of the illness has to be considered when deciding what level of exercise is possible and what not. It is advised to join a sports group which is guided by a specialised instructor.

© aktiv dabei
Translation into English: REHACARE.de