Self-Moderated Exercise: Beyond Clinical Therapies in the Patient with Multiple Sclerosis - SOD

Course overview

Current clinical practice in the treatment of multiple sclerosis consists of numerous therapies, including standard physical therapy and pharmacological interventions. Recent investigations have centered on patients’ participation in self-moderated exercise as a staple of the treatment and maintenance program. Literature suggests that adults with severe disability can benefit from regular exercise. Modalities in which the patient was fully weight bearing or seated have yielded similarly positive outcomes. Some research suggests that numerous modalities combined produce greater overall results than programs focusing on a single aspect of fitness. Still other contributions are showing a case for inclusion of higher intensity training as well as inclusion of cognitive training plus exercise. The inclusion of patient guided exercise may provide expanded resources in the search for improving lifespan, independence and mental health of the Multiple Sclerosis patient.