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Diverse Physical Exercise Interventions and Their Impact on Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Literature Review

  • Aleem Munir
  • , Aswad Khan
  • , Mona Hamoud Alsheikh
  • , Abdulmonem Alsharidah
  • , Muhammad Arshad
  • , Abdulla Almatter
  • , Amara Ilyas
  • , Asim Niaz
  • , Abir Elsayed Ahmed Hegazy
  • , Syed Hamid Habib
  • , Mirza Obaid Baig
  • , Eman Nassim Ali
  • , Turki Abualait
  • , Shahid Bashir*
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • International Islamic University Islamabad
  • United Arab Emirates University
  • Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
  • King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam
  • Khyber Medical University
  • Riphah International University
  • King Salman Center for Disability Research

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder that significantly impairs the quality of life (QoL) of MS patients. The focus is on assessing the effectiveness of exercise interventions in managing symptoms such as fatigue and spasticity, with particular attention to their impact on gait, balance, and overall rehabilitation. This article aims to review the effectiveness of various types of exercise on patients with MS regarding their rehabilitation. Many studies demonstrated the significant effects of exercise on the remission and rehabilitation process of MS. The QoL of MS patients was improved by different physical interventions, including aerobics, cardio exercise, and yoga. Aerobic exercise reduces MS-related symptoms and improves overall health in patients with MS and improves the health of patients with MS. In addition, cycling, walking, and running reduce MS symptoms and improve gait, balance, cognitive ability, mobility, fatigue, and neural functions. Telerehabilitation, robot-assisted exercise, and physical interventions show significant effects on demyelinating symptoms in MS. In conclusion, exercise interventions are clinically effective in MS rehabilitation. The strongest evidence (level I) supports aerobic and resistance training for improving mobility, balance, and fatigue. Moderate evidence (levels II-III) indicates potential benefits of Pilates, yoga, and aquatic therapy, though results are sometimes inconsistent across trials. Preliminary or lower-level evidence (levels III-V) suggests promise for technology-assisted and multimodal interventions, but large-sample, high-quality studies are needed. These findings highlight the importance of personalized, evidence-based exercise prescriptions in MS. However, large clinical studies are required to strengthen the knowledge base and refine optimal protocols.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere20260714
JournalJournal of Disability Research
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Mar 2026

Keywords

  • Aerobic exercise
  • Gait
  • Quality of life
  • Spasticity
  • Treadmill
  • Yoga

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