The Role of Physical Activity and Rehabilitation in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.75.75471Keywords
multiple sclerosis, physical activity, exercise, rehabilitation, resistance training, aerobic exercise, balance, gait, fatigue, aquatic therapy, quality of lifeAbstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to a wide range of disabling symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, balance problems and reduced quality of life. The main treatment approach is pharmacological, however it does not fully address the physical symptoms, what brings out the need of complementary strategies.
Aim of the study: This review summarizes current evidence on the role of physical activity and rehabilitation in MS.
Material and Methods: A narrative literature review based on the literature on PubMed.
Conclusions: Resistance training, aerobic exercise, balance and gait training, and aquatic therapy were all found to improve physical function, fatigue, cognition, and quality of life in people with MS. Balance training was the most effective way in reducing fatigue. Despite this evidence, exercise participation among MS patients remains low. Physical activity should be considered as a part of comprehensive MS care, and further high-quality research is needed to establish standardised exercise guidelines.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zuzanna Ćwiek, Paulina Opoka, Gracja Bojarzyńska, Wiktoria Biskup, Weronika Pawul, Aleksandra Mińkowska, Sergiusz Stawarz- Kobyliński, Łukasz Lucima, Michał Barański, Klaudia Wydra
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