Can aerobic exercise training affect health-related quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis?

Assessed the effects of an exercise program on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), testing the prediction that exercise can have a positive effect on psychosocial functioning. 22 people with MS participated in this study. 11 (mean age 45.45 yrs) participated in a no-special-activity group and 11 (mean age 47.18 yrs) in an experimental group that involved water aerobics 3 times a week for 10 wks. Measures taken included scales for HRQOL and psychological well-being. Results reveal that after the intervention, the exercise group had more energy and vigor (extremely large effect sizes). Other very large effects were found in the exercise group, which had better social and sexual functioning and less bodily pain and fatigue than the control group. It is stated that future research should involve long-term studies to determine whether exercise not only improves quality of life but also helps slow the progression of MS.