#182: How excercise can influence multiple sclerosis – interview with Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer

This episode is the English translation and adaptation of my original German interview with Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer, first published in August 2023.

Prof. Zimmer is a sports scientist, neuroscientist and expert in exercise immunology. In our conversation, we explore how physical activity and structured exercise can influence multiple sclerosis, what happens in the immune system when we exercise, and why strength, endurance and balance training can all play an important role for people living with MS.

We also talk about fatigue, cognition, mobility, recovery and the question of how much exercise is actually helpful.

You will learn:

• how exercise can influence the immune system
• why natural killer cells and regulatory T cells are important
• which MS symptoms may benefit from regular physical activity
• why aerobic exercise is particularly interesting from an immunological perspective
• why strength and balance training also matter
• how much exercise is generally recommended
• why more exercise is not always better
• how recovery and individual adaptation influence training
• how people with MS can get started even if they have not exercised much before
• why enjoying your chosen activity is so important for long-term motivation
• where to find exercise ideas and evidence-based resources for different levels of mobility

Prof. Zimmer also explains why exercise is particularly valuable because it gives people with MS something they can actively contribute to their own health and wellbeing.

Please note that this interview was originally recorded and published in 2023. Research continues to evolve, so I have added current and internationally relevant resources to the accompanying blog article and link list.

The information in this episode is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.

Links and resources Blog article

Read the full English interview and accompanying resources on MS-Perspektive:

https://ms-perspektive.de/en/

Note: Please replace this with the final direct URL of the English Prof. Zimmer article once it has been published.

Original German interview

Wie Sport die MS beeinflussen kann mit Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer:

https://ms-perspektive.de/210-philipp-zimmer/

Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer

English profile at TU Dortmund University:

https://sport.kmst.tu-dortmund.de/en/institute/personnel/prof-dr-dr-philipp-zimmer/

WHO recommendations on physical activity

World Health Organization – physical activity recommendations:

https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/physical-activity

Exercise and physical activity resources for people with MS

MS International Federation – Physical activity for people with MS:

https://www.msif.org/resource/physical-activity-for-people-with-ms/

MS International Federation / European Multiple Sclerosis Platform – Keep moving with MS:

https://www.msif.org/resource/keep-moving-with-ms/

MS Society UK – Simple exercises for MS:

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/living-with-ms/physical-and-mental-health/staying-active/simple-exercises-for-ms

Research

PubMed – Fitness, physical activity, and exercise in multiple sclerosis:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35084560/

Related English interviews and articles on MS-Perspektive

How exercise boosts your immune system: What people with MS should know with David Walzik:

https://ms-perspektive.de/en/153-exercise/

Multiple sclerosis and pain: How exercise and physical activity can help with Rasmus Christian Jungersen:

https://ms-perspektive.de/en/175-rasmus/

Movement limitations in MS – how to maintain strength, balance and mobility:

https://ms-perspektive.de/en/018-movement-limitations/

EBV insights: Shedding light on its impact on MS with Prof. Christian Münz:

https://ms-perspektive.de/en/52-christian-muenz/

German exercise consultation mentioned in the interview

DMSG Nordrhein-Westfalen – Sport-Sprechstunde:

https://dmsg-nrw.de/sport-sprechstunde/

Please note that this service is primarily aimed at the German-speaking MS community. International listeners may find the MSIF, EMSP and MS Society UK resources above more directly useful.

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Until next time – make the most of your life, and ideally include some regular movement along the way.
Nele

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