PPMS - exercise or not?

[DRE2014]

If you have PPMS, is it recommended that you exercise such as jogging, etc. I know exercise is good for your health in general,
but specifically what I am asking is can you make your situation worse if you go for a walk or go for a jog? Is
that detrimental? Will that increase your atrophy?

Also, how long on average from first have symptoms until you can no longer walk without an aid if you have PPMS?

Thank you.

[NHE]

If you have PPMS, is it recommended that you exercise such as jogging, etc. I know exercise is good for your health in general,
but specifically what I am asking is can you make your situation worse if you go for a walk or go for a jog? Is
that detrimental? Will that increase your atrophy?

Also, how long on average from first have symptoms until you can no longer walk without an aid if you have PPMS?

In my opinion, MS is a disease in which we have to fight for the privilege of standing still. If we don't, then it can run us over like Wile E. Coyote getting flattened by a steamroller.

[CureOrBust]

If you have PPMS, is it recommended that you exercise such as jogging, etc. I know exercise is good for your health in general,
but specifically what I am asking is can you make your situation worse if you go for a walk or go for a jog? Is
that detrimental? Will that increase your atrophy?

Also, how long on average from first have symptoms until you can no longer walk without an aid if you have PPMS?

I think I lost the ability (control/stability/ataxia) to run about EDSS of 3. Using the graph from http://www.helpmefindacure.com/what_is_ ... nosis.html and summing up the AVERAGE years at each stage up to and including 3, I estimate it at 9 years. Which is probably around the time it took me from first symtoms (way before diagnosis). But these numbers are based on my estimate / experience and the AVERAGE numbers form the referenced graph. You may also get some quick indications from http://www.msactivesource.com/ms-progression.xmlBut I think thats more about RR.

[Scott1]

How you exercise is going to depend on a lot of variables. The most important factor will be how fatigue affects you personally. If you are stiff or weak then jogging or even walking may be just too uncomfortable.
I would recommend some form of exercise but be sensible about your own limitations. My preference is Pilates which can be very challenging if you do it properly. If you work a sweat up so much the better but the objective is keep those muscles well toned and moving. I can guarantee doing nothing will work against you. Do something. The level your at is not important. It is not a race and you have no one to impress except yourself. When I exercise I try to get outside my comfort area. That's where the benefit is derived. Each time you do a little better it's a big win. Don't do it on your own. Find a trainer or a friend. Exercise the way you played as a kid. Make it noisy, active, random and fun.
It should never feel like work. If it does, change the way you approach it not the goal.

Regards

[cheerleader]

If you have PPMS, is it recommended that you exercise such as jogging, etc. I know exercise is good for your health in general,
but specifically what I am asking is can you make your situation worse if you go for a walk or go for a jog? Is
that detrimental? Will that increase your atrophy?

If you can still do aerobic exercise, go for it, DRE! It won't make things worse, and could increase your brain mass.

The study's participants were two MS patients with memory deficits who were randomized to non-aerobic (stretching) and aerobic (stationary cycling) conditions. Baseline and follow-up measurements were recorded before and after the treatment protocol of 30-minute exercise sessions 3 times per week for 3 months. Data were collected by high-resolution MRI (neuroanatomical volumes), fMRI (functional connectivity), and memory assessment. Aerobic exercise resulted in a 16.5% increase in hippocampal volume, a 53.7% increase in memory, and increased hippocampal resting-state functional connectivity. Non-aerobic exercise resulted in minimal change in hippocampal volume and no changes in memory or functional connectivity.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 125506.htm

Aerobic exercise simply means "with oxygen." When we engage in aerobic exercise, we get our heart pumping! Our blood vessels widen, our heart pumps faster and stronger, to deliver oxygen rich blood throughout our body. This strong flow of blood creates a wonderful effect on the endothelium, called "shear stress." The forceful flow of blood throughout vessels releases healing and vasodilating nitric oxide.

http://ccsviinms.blogspot.com/2013/11/a ... otion.html

Always check with your doctors, to see if aerobic exercise is contraindicated. My husband Jeff started out by using an elliptical machine 7 years ago, since his balance was wonky and his feet were numb...but those symptoms are gone, and now he can jog and bike ride again. Hope you're able to keep moving!
cheer

[sardi]

What a great answer cheer, thank you. Very inspiring and encouraging.