Impact of Exercise Programs on Overall Function in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Authors

Sydney Kmetz, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Liz Reyes, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Sidney Swanson, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Sara Story, Valparaiso UniversityFollow

Level of Education of Students Involved

Graduate

Faculty Sponsor

Sara Story

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Discipline(s)

Occupational Therapy

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that breaks down the protecting covering of nerves, known as myelin (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2024). Those who are diagnosed with MS are typically between the ages of 20-40 years old, and women are more likely than men to have MS (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2024). At the time of the publication of these articles, there is no cure for MS, but evidence has shown that exercise can help manage its symptoms. The focus of this modified systematic review aimed to assess whether a structured exercise program would enhance overall function, beyond just physical function, in individuals with MS when compared to an intervention.

Methods: The inclusion criteria for the study encompassed all individuals with MS, regardless of the type, and exercise interventions. Studies must have been conducted within the last 10 years and be peer-reviewed. The exclusion criteria included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case studies, conference proposals, conference presentations, and articles not published in English. The sources for the study were databases such as EBSCO, PubMed, and MEDLINE.

Results: In the 15 articles that were included in the review, exercise programs showed positive outcomes for managing strength, fatigue, motor and cognitive function.

Conclusion: The studies reviewed suggest that exercise could be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. However, additional research is needed to fully comprehend the long-term effects of exercise programs on overall function and disease management in those with MS.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

The three authors, Sydney Kmetz, Liz Reyes, and Sidney Swanson, are first-year doctoral students in occupational therapy at Valparaiso University.

Recommended Citation

Kmetz, Sydney; Reyes, Liz; Swanson, Sidney; and Story, Sara, "Impact of Exercise Programs on Overall Function in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1451.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1451