Maria Davis had just received her multiple sclerosis diagnosis when her neurologist gave her unexpected advice. “The best prescription I can write you is for exercise,” he told her. Maria was skeptical. With fatigue already disrupting her daily life, how could physical activity possibly help?
Maria’s story echoes the experience of many among the 2.8 million people worldwide living with multiple sclerosis. The autoimmune condition attacks the protective covering of nerve cells, disrupting communication between the brain and body. But emerging research offers compelling evidence that physical activity might be one of the most powerful tools in an MS patient’s arsenal.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Neurology in early 2025 followed 327 MS patients across five years. Researchers documented remarkable improvements among participants who maintained regular exercise routines. Those who engaged in moderate activity at least three times weekly showed a 32% reduction in fatigue severity compared to sedentary participants. Perhaps more surprisingly, they experienced 28% fewer relapses over the study period.
“We’re seeing evidence that exercise creates a cascade of positive effects throughout the body,” explains Dr. Elaine Wong, lead researcher and neurologist at Cleveland Medical Center. “From improved cardiovascular health to reduced inflammation, these benefits seem particularly valuable for MS patients.”
The study identified several specific benefits. Participants who incorporated strength training twice weekly maintained greater muscle mass and reported improved mobility scores on standardized tests. Those who practiced yoga or tai chi demonstrated better balance and reduced fall risk by 41%.
“What’s particularly encouraging is the neurological impact,” says Dr. Wong. “We measured increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor among active participants – a protein that supports neuron health and may protect against further damage.”
Exercise also appears to address the often-overlooked mental health challenges of MS. Study participants in exercise groups reported significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety. Group activities proved especially beneficial, with participants citing social connections as a crucial factor in maintaining their routines.
For Maria Davis, now three years into her diagnosis, the transformation has been profound. “I started with five-minute walks when that’s all I could manage,” she recalls. “Now I’m swimming twice weekly and doing adaptive yoga. My symptoms haven’t disappeared, but they’re more manageable.”
Implementation remains challenging. Many patients face physical limitations, accessibility issues, or confusion about which activities are appropriate. The study’s authors emphasize the importance of personalized approaches developed with healthcare providers.
“Exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially with MS,” explains physical therapist Joaquin Ramirez. “We assess each patient’s capabilities and design programs they can realistically maintain. Starting small and building gradually prevents discouragement.”
The findings arrive as healthcare systems increasingly recognize exercise as medicine. Several insurance providers announced plans to cover exercise programs for MS patients beginning in 2025, citing the potential for reduced hospitalizations and medication needs.
For those living with MS, these developments offer renewed hope. “I’ve regained a sense of control,” says Maria. “On days when my body feels like it’s working against me, movement reminds me of what I can still do.”
As research continues to validate exercise’s role in MS management, the message becomes increasingly clear: physical activity isn’t just beneficial for those with MS – it might be essential.
