Grant: Operating Grant

Despite the known benefits of exercise and activity participation, evidence shows that persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are relatively inactive. Physical activity improves the disabling effects of MS and reduces the risk of developing other health problems. Exercise is recommended for all persons with MS, but people with MS do not know what would be best for them to do. Our research team, with input from experts and patients, has developed and pilot tested a MS Tailored Exercise Program (MSTEP). It incorporates exercises of endurance, muscular and core strength, balance, flexibility, muscular power, and speed of movement. As disability does not take a day off, the program is for 6 to 7 days a week using exercises and activities that can fit into a daily routine. The program encourages people to do both steady endurance activities as well as high bursts of exercise to build tolerance to exercise. Participants will be shown how to use different types of exercise equipment such as Nordic walking poles which help people to walk safely, faster and longer. To test MSTEP it is necessary to compare the results of MSTEP to results obtained from standard exercise recommendations. The proof of whether MSTEP is better than usual recommendations will be if a greater proportion of people in the MSTEP program improve their capacity for exercise than in the general approach. Other benefits to walking capacity, energy, and well-being will also be tested. As it takes time to change behavior, the duration of the intervention will be one year with follow-up to year two.