Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
An active lifestyle has many benefits for adults living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The rate of MS in Canada is among the highest in the world. Evidence indicates that engaging in exercise has the potential to improve and/or maintain functional ability, aerobic fitness, strength, fatigue and depression among people with MS. Unfortunately, many people with MS are physically inactive.
These Guidelines were developed to provide a basis for exercise prescription, target goals for promoting physical activity and serve as a benchmark for monitoring activity levels among individuals with MS. The Guidelines address a significant gap in informational resources about exercise available for individuals with MS as well as healthcare professionals, and provide a foundation for program and policy development.
The Guidelines are the first rigorously developed guidelines for prescribing and developing exercise programs for adults living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The new Guidelines are evidence-based. They are based on systematic reviews of the best available evidence. They were developed by experts and reviewed by health and fitness professionals and Canadians living with MS.
Preamble
Improved fitness is especially important for people with multiple sclerosis for whom rates of inactivity are high and deconditioning is common. Following these guidelines can improve aspects of fitness related to aerobic endurance and muscle strength. While participating in either aerobic activity or strength training will yield some specific fitness benefits, participating in both types of activity will yield a broader range of fitness benefits.
These guidelines refer to activities that should be performed in addition to usual activities of daily living. Adults with multiple sclerosis may wish to speak to a health professional to find out what types and amounts of physical activity are appropriate for them. Those who are pregnant or have other medical conditions in addition to multiple sclerosis should talk to a health professional before beginning an exercise program. A health professional might include a doctor, a physiotherapist, or a qualified exercise professional. Supervised exercise is advisable but not essential when starting or returning to exercise.
GUIDELINES
To achieve important fitness benefits, adults aged 18-64 years with multiple sclerosis who have mild to moderate disability need at least:
Meeting these guidelines may also reduce fatigue, improve mobility and enhance elements of health-related quality of life.
Here is what is Recommended
Aerobic Activity
Strength Training Activity
How often?
Two times per week
How much?
How hard?
How to?
Some options for activity include:
Aerobic activities
Strength training activities for the upper and lower body
Other types of aerobic and strength training exercise that may bring benefits
MS Get Fit Toolkit
A Resource to Help Adults Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.
References
Insert (2-page PDF) - a guide to assist adults with MS to set goals and prepare an action plan to achieve them.