For people with multiple sclerosis (MS), all forms of exercise are likely to be beneficial for physical fitness, but certain forms of exercise may be better than others at improving specific measures of fitness, according to a review of multiple clinical trials.
Results suggest that resistance training — pushing or pulling against a force, such as lifting weights to push against gravity — is best for improving muscle fitness, while aerobic exercise (jogging, cycling, and other activities that raise the heart rate) was better for improving heart and lung fitness.
“Physical exercise is a beneficial intervention to improve fitness in people with MS,” researchers wrote. “Resistance training and aerobic exercise seem to be the types of exercise most effective in improving muscular fitness and [cardiorespiratory fitness], respectively.”
