Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. MS has an important impact on leisure activities like physical activity (PA) and social well-being. The practice of sport by multiple sclerosis patients has long been controversial. Recent studies, however, show that both sport and physical activity are essential for these patients. Indeed, they help to cope with the effects of multiple sclerosis, such as fatigue, reduced endurance, loss of muscle mass, and reduction of muscle strength. In several European countries, the term “sport” is used for all exercises and PA. However, we must draw a distinction between PA and sport. PA is defined by “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure”. Physical inactivity also is responsible for increasing fatigue, decreasing endurance, enhancing loss of muscle mass, and reducing muscle strength Sport meanwhile is a PA that involves structured competitive situations, determined by rules.In MS, symptoms including spasticity, muscle weakness, fatigue, imbalance, and deconditioning (10,13,46). An important point, when treating these patients, is to promote PA to fight against this deconditioning but also fatigue and other symptoms and eventually even improve disability and quality of life (QOL).
The beneficial effects of physical activity on these patients have been underlined in several studies, whereas those of practicing sport have been the subject of fewer evaluations and assessments.The benefits of sport have been demonstrated in several studies. It helps multiple sclerosis patients to increase their balance, resistance to fatigue, mobility and quality of life. . The aim of this review article is to show the effects of sport on multiple sclerosis patients