Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Physical activity and pediatric multiple sclerosis: Developing a research agenda
E Ann Yeh1, Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins2, Stephanie A Grover3
1Departments of Neurology, Neurosciences and Mental Health, and Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada ann.yeh@sickkids.ca.
Insights
Exercise and physical activity may help manage symptoms and slow disease progression in children with multiple sclerosis (MS). This review highlights the need for research into exercise
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) presents significant challenges, including fatigue, depression, and neurocognitive decline.
- Children with MS often show a higher disease burden on MRI compared to adults.
- Limited research exists on behavioral interventions for symptom management and disease modification in pediatric MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To build an evidence-based case for the symptomatic and disease-modifying effects of exercise and physical activity in pediatric MS.
- To establish a research agenda for physical activity and exercise in the lifelong management of pediatric MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric MS and its consequences.
- Overview of physical activity's effects in children and adults with MS.
- Selective review of research on the neurological benefits of physical activity in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- Children with MS frequently experience fatigue and depression.
- Progressive neurocognitive decline can occur early after diagnosis in pediatric MS.
- Higher MRI-detected disease burden is observed in pediatric-onset MS.
Conclusions:
- Exercise and physical activity show potential for symptomatic and disease-modifying benefits in pediatric MS.
- Establishing an early, lifelong exercise agenda is critical for managing pediatric MS.
- Further research is needed to guide effective physical activity interventions for pediatric MS.
Abstract:
Three-quarters of children with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience fatigue or depression, and progressive neurocognitive decline may be seen as early as two years after MS diagnosis. Furthermore, a higher magnetic resonance imaging disease burden is seen in pediatric-onset MS compared with adult-onset MS. To date, limited knowledge exists regarding behavioral methods for managing symptoms and disease progression in pediatric MS. To that end, this paper builds an evidence-based argument for the possible symptomatic and disease-modifying effects of exercise and physical activity in pediatric MS. This will be accomplished through: (a) a review of pediatric MS and its consequences; (b) a brief overview of physical activity and its consequences in children and adults with MS; and (c) a selective review of research on the neurological benefits of physical activity in pediatric populations. This topical review concludes with a list of 10 questions to guide future research on physical activity and pediatric MS. The objective of this paper is the provision of a research interest, focus and agenda involving pediatric MS and its lifelong management though exercise and physical activity behavior. Such an agenda is critical as the effects and maintenance of physical activity and exercise track across the lifespan, particularly when developed in the early stages of life.
