In this podcast my guest is Neurophysiotherapist, Researcher Dr Andrea Stennett. We discussed the role of physical exercises to preserve brain health living with Multiple sclerosis (MS). How it does affect brain anatomy and biology of the brain function/inflammatory markers and responses. We covered the role and impact of exercises on MS disease activity and disability. Does it prevent from having more MS relapses and increase disability? During the discussion we covered what is the role of exercises and neuroplasticity (the ability of the nervous system to change it's activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganising its structure, functions, or connections after injuries) Do we have strong evidence of Virtual reality to improve neuroplasticity in MS? What is limitation of MS exercises research studies? Why so many studies are focused on patients who are more mobile and less disabled. Andrea reveals what is the minimum people with MS can do to maintain the physical and brain function, what are the exercise guidelines for patients with MS? How often and when people with MS should exercise? How and if people with MS are affected by Covid 19 pandemic physically? Have people with MS become deconditioned over the COVID 19 pandemic? How to recover from increased disability?

As a physiotherapist what has she learned from pwMS in COVID 19 Pandemic? Have people been creative and found some healthy physical attitudes, behaviours and simple methods to keep active physically. We talked about common physical struggles that people with MS find is frustrating: foot drop and what help can they receive and achieve by themselves, what about hand weakness? How to overcome this? We discussed a number of key practical messages for people with MS, their families and carers, MS specialists (neurologists, nurses, therapist). Stay tuned in and we hope you will enjoy this!