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Fitness and leisure

Moderate exercise is now recognised as an important element in maintaining general health and well being, however a survey by the MS Trust in 2004 found that almost half (48%) of people with MS do not exercise on a regular basis.

The symptoms of MS may make some activities difficult or require a different approach, but there are organisations offering information on all manner of activities from competitive sports through to more leisurely pursuits. The following links give just a few ideas of what is available.

MS Trust links

Staying active section
A section of this website that includes contact details for organisations involved with more than 30 activities both team sports and those for individual competitors; a Tried & Tested section of personal experiences from people with MS of a number of sports; a selection of links to more leisurely activities such as gardening and photography; and general information about fitness for people with MS.
Exercises for people with MS
A book of simple exercises, written by a physiotherapist.

Articles from Open Door

The following links are to recent articles from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, that deal with particular leisure activities.

The Italian job
In March 2006, Ken Dickson won a Paralympic silver medal with the GB wheelchair curling team.
Hippotherapy - a new movement experience
A physiotherapist and several people with MS talk about the benefits and enjoyment of hippotherapy (therapeutic horse riding).
Belly dancing a therapeutic tool – or just a belly laugh?
A physiotherapist takes a novel approach to exercise with a group at her local MS Therapy Centre.