OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of evidence surrounding the effects of exercise training on physical fitness, mobility, fatigue and health-related quality of life in adults with MS. Data Sources: The databases included: EMBASE 1980 to 2011 Week 12; Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Ovid OLDMEDLINE(R) 1947 to March Week 3 2011; PsycINFO 1967 to March Week 4 2011; CINAHL all-inclusive; SportDiscus all-inclusive; Cochrane Library all-inclusive; PEDro all-inclusive.
STUDY SELECTION: The review was limited to English language studies (published prior to December 2011) of people with MS that evaluated the effects of exercise training on outcomes of physical fitness, mobility, fatigue, and/or health related quality of life.
DATA EXTRACTION: One research assistant extracted data and rated study quality. A second research assistant verified the extraction and quality assessment.
DATA SYNTHESIS: From the 4362 studies identified, 54 studies were included in the review. The extracted data were analyzed using a descriptive approach. There was strong evidence that exercise performed 2 times per week at a moderate intensity increases aerobic capacity and muscular strength. The evidence was not consistent regarding the effects of exercise training on other outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Among those with mild to moderate disability from MS, there is sufficient evidence that exercise training is effective for improving both aerobic capacity and muscular strength. Exercise may improve mobility, fatigue, and health related quality of life.
Exercise is good for you ...now there's an important message we all aren't aware of....not!