b'Symptom ManagementCCooggnniittiioonnaannddPPhhyyssiiccaallAAccttiivviittyyHHoowwmmoovveemmeennttssuuppppoorrttssmmeemmoorryy,,tthhiinnkkiinngg,,aannddoovveerraallllbbrraaiinnhheeaalltthhiinnMMSS By Brian HutchinsonIn many research studies, physical activityEffect of physical activity on cognition in MShas been shown to be benecial for physicalAn area of increasing interest includes the health in people living with multiple sclerosis.effects of PA and exercise on cognition. This We have known for many years that PA canresearch is often in the broader context of the reduce risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes,effects of PA on brain health. Direct evidence heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Inlinking physical activity to improved cognition addition, it is well documented that PA canin MS is emerging. Research suggests a positive improve cardiovascular function, muscle andrelationship between higher levels of physical bone strength, sleep quality, and is a keyactivity or cardiorespiratory tness and better component of weight management. The mentalcognitive function in people living with MS. health benets of PA are also signicant throughRegular physical activity may preserve brain the reduction of anxiety and depression,volumeanddelaydiseaseprogressionby improvements in self-esteem, and for stressmaintaining the volume of the hippocampus, management techniques. The research isa brain region crucial for memory and learning. overwhelming, and it is well accepted thatThe neuroprotective effects of exercise in MS are increases in PA will yield positive benets inmultifaceted, involving several key mechanisms:these areas. A newer area of study focuses on Neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors: the effects of PA on cognitive function. Exercise promotes the generation of new brain While physical activity and exercise arecells (neurogenesis) and increases the expression often used interchangeably, there are slightof neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived differences, and most research focuses onneurotrophic factor. These factors support nerve the benets of exercise on different areas ofcellsurvival,plasticity,andmyelinrepair, physical, emotional, and cognitive functions.counteracting MS-induced neural damage.Physical activity is generally dened as any bodily Reduced inammation and oxidative stress: movement resulting in energy expenditure,Physical activity has anti-inammatory and whereasexerciseisasubsetofPAthatisantioxidant effects, helping to modulate immune planned, structured, and repetitive with theresponses and reduce neuroinammation in goal of improving or maintaining physicalthe brain.tness.Therefore,PAwouldincludeany Improved blood-brain barrier integrity: movementyoudo,includingtransferringExercise has been shown to restore blood-brain from one location to another, housework, andbarrier integrity through the reduction of gardening. Exercise would include structuredinammationandregulationofadhesion activitiessuchasparticipatingintnessmolecules, limiting immune cell inltration classes, swimming, and cycling. into the central nervous system.msfocusmagazine.org 14 msfocusmagazine.org'