Firstly, and most importantly, exercise can help prevent stroke. Once a person is affected by stroke, regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce the risk of future strokes and improve post-stroke recovery, as well as help manage symptoms of stroke. Reported benefits include:

• Improved strength and endurance
• Improved walking ability and ability to complete activities of daily living
• Improved balance and coordination
• Improved flexibility
• Improved mood
• Improved alertness and cognitive ability

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS: brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). In MS, the immune system mistakenly starts to attack nerve cells and the protective coating around the nerve cells that assist nerve conduction in the CNS. This leads to slow or interrupted transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in varied symptoms. The progress, severity and symptoms are unpredictable and vary from one individual to another.

• sensory changes such as pins and needles or numbness
• muscle weakness
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• sensitivity to heat
• reduced balance and coordination
• bladder and bowel disturbance
• cognitive changes
• visual problems