Home Walking Program May Protect the MS Brain

Credibility

Interest

Key Takeaway

A year-long, remotely coached walking program looks safe and doable for people with MS and may help protect a key brain area (the thalamus) while improving thinking speed, walking endurance, and fitness.

What They Found

Researchers tested a 12-month walking program done at home with remote support in 25 people with MS who could walk and had slower thinking speed. The program was safe, people mostly stuck with it, and researchers could run the study successfully (process and resources worked). When results were combined, participants showed preservation of thalamic volume — the thalamus is a brain area that often shrinks in MS and is linked to thinking and movement problems. There were modest improvements in thinking speed (how quickly someone processes information), walking endurance (how far they could walk), and overall aerobic fitness (heart and lung health). One version of the program that asked people to walk longer and harder was too hard for many participants, so the easier prescription was more realistic for everyday life.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS should care because the thalamus helps with thinking and movement, so protecting it could mean better daily thinking and walking later on — like keeping an important bridge in your town in good shape so traffic keeps flowing. Caregivers may find this useful because a home-based walking routine that is remotely supported can fit into regular life and reduce the need for travel to clinics. Healthcare providers can use this idea to offer a low-cost, home-friendly exercise option to help slow brain changes linked to MS. Those with fatigue, balance issues, or severe disability should note this study only included people who could walk on their own, so it may not apply to everyone. Overall, the study suggests regular, manageable walking might be a practical addition to MS care to help thinking, walking, and fitness.

Important Considerations

This was an early, small feasibility study with just 25 participants, so results are encouraging but not yet proven for everyone with MS. Participants were able to walk and were selected for slower thinking speed, so the findings may not apply to people with more severe disability or different MS symptoms. A larger randomized trial is needed to confirm whether the walking program truly preserves the thalamus and causes the benefits seen here.

Categories:

Living with MS Treatment Updates MS Progression

Article Topics:

BrainCognitionExerciseMultiple sclerosisRehabilitation

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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