Multiple Sclerosis :: Yoga n fatigue relief in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which gradual destruction of myelin occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord (or both), interfering with the nerve pathways and causing muscular weakness, loss of coordination and speech and visual disturbances. Yoga has been found in reducing fatigue.

While yoga eased tiredness, it didn’t have any effect on alertness, attention or other measures of cognitive function, a study found.

The researchers concluded yoga was as effective as a traditional aerobic exercise program in improving measures of fatigue, which is a common and potentially disabling symptom of MS.

The 90-minute yoga classes were held once a week. Participants were taught up to 19 yoga poses and also did breathing, visualization and meditation exercises. They were encouraged to practice each day at home.

“This is true whether the regular exercise is yoga, swimming, using a stationary bicycle or any other physical activity. Sometimes the effects are quite dramatic and other times less so. But everyone with MS who exercises regularly reports benefit,” study co-author Dr. Dennis Bourdette, a professor of neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oregon, said.


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