Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition. Research considered here includes approaches such as Swimming, Yoga, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), and CBD (Cannabidiol), with findings addressing different outcomes rather than one single measure of the condition.
Multiple Sclerosis is classified as a neurological condition. Explore its place within neurological health.
This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.
What may help
What studies found for each option, best evidence first.
23 options:8 some evidence10 not enough evidence4 not tested in people1 no benefit found
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials in people with multiple sclerosis reported benefits for exercise capacity and fatigue. A separate pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported better exercise capacity among 82 participants with neurological conditions.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pageStrength TrainingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In people with Multiple Sclerosis, pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found walking speed improved by 0.10 m/s, meeting the minimal important difference threshold. Five studies, mostly targeting Multiple Sclerosis, also contributed neuromuscular fitness outcomes to a pooled analysis that found overall improvement.
Open the Strength Training pageBreathworkpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved BBS scores. A trial in 78 participants found reduced FSS and BDI-II scores after 4 weeks of Bhramari pranayama compared with usual care.
Open the Breathwork pageDancepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review describes dance as effective in Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation, and another review supports dance in neurorehabilitation for this and other chronic neurological conditions. The reported findings do not specify the outcomes or effect sizes.
Open the Dance pageMeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Meditation pagePilatespracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 8 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2026 network meta-analysis of randomized trials in adults with Multiple Sclerosis found improvements in mobility, balance, walking endurance, fatigue and quality of life versus control. A 2022 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies found no statistically significant balance effect.
Open the Pilates pageRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2024 review of human trials and animal studies reported improvements in motor, sensory, and cognitive function, alongside changes in inflammatory and oxidative markers. Its animal-study analysis also reported reduced clinical severity of EAE, but noted high risk of bias and limited studies.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) pageSwedish (Classic) MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported symptom improvements, including fatigue and spasticity, with massage for people with multiple sclerosis. A separate RCT involving 70 people reported improved quality of life compared with usual care.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
May not suit people with this condition
Supplements and practices linked to problems for people with this condition.
Hot BathpracticeUnclear
A case series described prolonged neurological debilitation after hot-bath testing in four patients with multiple sclerosis. Even mild increases in body temperature can transiently worsen neurological symptoms.
Open the Hot Bath pageHot YogapracticeUnclear
Heat exposure can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in many people with multiple sclerosis, a response known as Uhthoff's phenomenon.
Open the Hot Yoga pageInfrared SaunapracticeUnclear
Heat exposure can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in many people with multiple sclerosis, a response known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and may be disabling.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What may help
Interventions recorded as helping with this condition23 listedMost likely to help, from the evidence we have
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials in people with multiple sclerosis reported benefits for exercise capacity and fatigue. A separate pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported better exercise capacity among 82 participants with neurological conditions.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Asthma
- Copd
- Diabetes Type2
- Dyslipidemia
- Hypertension
- Multiple Sclerosis
- +5 more
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
Meta-analysis of RCTs of HIIT in people with multiple sclerosis; benefits reported for exercise capacity and fatigue.
- →PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis
In people with Multiple Sclerosis, pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found walking speed improved by 0.10 m/s (95% CI 0.01–0.19, p<.05), meeting the minimal important difference threshold. Five studies, mostly targeting Multiple Sclerosis, also contributed neuromuscular fitness outcomes to a pooled analysis that found overall improvement.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Strength TrainingStudy result
Five studies targeted neurological conditions (mostly MS) and contributed neuromuscular fitness outcomes to the pooled meta-analysis showing significant overall improvement.
- →PracticesBreathworkCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved BBS scores (WMD 3.25; 95% CI 1.89 to 4.60; P < 0.00001). A trial in 78 participants found reduced FSS and BDI-II scores after 4 weeks of Bhramari pranayama compared with usual care.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open BreathworkStudy result
BBS significantly improved (WMD 3.25; 95% CI 1.89 to 4.60; P < 0.00001) in the pooled analysis.
- →PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A review describes dance as effective in Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation, and another review supports dance in neurorehabilitation for this and other chronic neurological conditions. The reported findings do not specify the outcomes or effect sizes.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Huntingtons Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Stroke
Open DanceStudy result
Systematic review described in abstract as finding effectiveness in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, without outcome or effect size detail.
- →PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A 2026 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved sleep scores in people with multiple sclerosis: PSQI (SMD −6.96, 95% CI [−12.93 to −1.00]) and ISI (SMD −2.94, 95% CI [−4.71 to −1.16]). A separate 2024 review described improved behavioral outcomes and hippocampal size, but reported this as observational evidence.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open MeditationStudy result
Mindfulness intervention significantly improved PSQI (SMD −6.96, 95% CI [−12.93 to −1.00]) and ISI (SMD −2.94, 95% CI [−4.71 to −1.16]) in patients with MS, ranking second for subjective sleep quality (SUCRA = 85.9%).
- →PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A 2026 network meta-analysis of randomized trials in adults with Multiple Sclerosis found improvements in mobility, balance, walking endurance, fatigue and quality of life versus control. A 2022 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies found no statistically significant balance effect.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open PilatesStudy result
Pilates-based interventions were studied in adults with MS and improved mobility, balance, walking endurance, fatigue and quality of life versus control in this network meta-analysis.
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A 2024 review of human trials and animal studies reported improvements in motor, sensory, and cognitive function, alongside changes in inflammatory and oxidative markers. Its animal-study analysis also reported reduced clinical severity of EAE, but noted high risk of bias and limited studies.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Study result
Systematic review of 4 human RCTs and 4 animal studies showing improvements in motor, sensory, cognitive function, and modulation of inflammatory/oxidative markers.
Medium probability(1)
- →PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported symptom improvements, including fatigue and spasticity, with massage for people with multiple sclerosis. A separate RCT involving 70 people reported improved quality of life compared with usual care.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Swedish (Classic) MassageStudy result
Systematic review of trials in people with MS reporting symptom improvements with massage, including Swedish massage for fatigue and spasticity.
Low probability(14)
- →PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
One RCT reported improved executive function and working memory in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Findings for other outcomes differ: a pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found ACT was not effective for depression or anxiety, though it had a small effect on stress.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Study result
One RCT showed improved executive function and working memory (Stroop test, Wechsler Memory Scale-III).
- →PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded ranked effleurage highest for ISI reduction (SUCRA 91.9%); reflexology also improved PSQI and ISI compared with control in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open MassageStudy result
NMA of 35 RCTs showing effleurage ranked highest for ISI reduction (SUCRA 91.9%) and reflexology showed significant PSQI and ISI improvements vs control in MS patients
- →PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A 2025 RCT in 60 women with multiple sclerosis reported reduced fatigue and improved quality of life.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Cupping TherapyStudy result
RCT showing significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in QOL in women with MS.
- →PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A small 2012 trial in 60 women with multiple sclerosis found improved pain and quality of life compared with no intervention. However, a review found that only 1 of 3 studies reported improvement in executive function and concluded that yoga did not benefit this population for that outcome.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Diabetes Type2
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Hatha YogaStudy result
Yoga was tested in women with multiple sclerosis and showed improved pain and quality of life versus a no-intervention control in a single small RCT.
- →PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a single-arm pre/post pilot involving 23 people, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness, and well-being improved after 8-week MBSR. Without a control group, the changes do not establish that the program caused the improvements.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Mindfulness MeditationStudy result
Single-arm pre/post pilot showed significant improvements in perceived stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness, and well-being after 8-week MBSR; no control group, so efficacy is not definitively established.
- →PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
An RCT in 40 people with Multiple Sclerosis found improvements in dual-task walking and mobility after SMT and DTT; no adverse events were reported.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Mobility TrainingStudy result
RCT showing improvements in dual-task walking and mobility after SMT and DTT, with no adverse events.
- →PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
Pooled analyses whose study designs were not recorded found improved BBS and TUG scores compared with control in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Open SwimmingStudy result
Network meta-analysis of 31 RCTs showing aquatic exercise significantly improves BBS and TUG scores compared to control in MS patients.
- →PracticesYogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a single-arm pre–post study of 25 patients with multiple sclerosis, 8 weeks of Hatha Yoga was followed by improvements in cognition, depression, and fatigue; the finding does not establish that Hatha Yoga caused the changes.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open YogaStudy result
Single-arm pre-post study in 25 patients with MS showing improvements in cognition, depression, and fatigue after 8 weeks of Hatha Yoga.
- →PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceReview
A study protocol proposed testing whether treadmill walking training improves learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis, but it presented no results.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Brisk WalkingStudy result
The study protocol hypothesizes that treadmill walking exercise training will improve learning and memory in persons with MS, but no results are presented.
- →PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceReview
A crossover study of arm cycling reported reduced fatigue and motor fatigability, alongside an increased finger movement rate, in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open CyclingStudy result
Crossover study of arm cycling showed reduction in fatigue and motor fatigability and increase in finger movement rate.
- →PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
In a qualitative study, adults with multiple sclerosis who completed a 10-week coach-guided expressive writing program reported better emotional processing, coping, acceptance, and empowerment.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Open Expressive WritingStudy result
Qualitative study of 25 adults with MS who completed a 10-week coach-guided expressive writing program; participants reported improved emotional processing, coping, acceptance, and empowerment.
- →PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Cooling interventions, including cold exposure, may temporarily ease weakness, fatigue, and heat intolerance in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Lowering core temperature can reduce conduction block in demyelinated nerves; cooling is described as a symptomatic adjunct.
Open Ice Bath / Cold PlungeStudy result
Cooling interventions, including cold exposure, are a symptomatic adjunct in multiple sclerosis because lowering core temperature reduces conduction block in demyelinated nerves and temporarily improves weakness, fatigue, and heat intolerance.
- →PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Tai Chi may improve balance, coordination and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis; some studies also report quality-of-life benefits.
Open Tai ChiStudy result
Tai Chi may improve balance, coordination, and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, with some studies showing benefits in quality of life.
Very low probability(1)
- →PracticesBinaural BeatsCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical
Studies did not support Binaural Beats for multiple sclerosis. A 2026 randomized trial reported cortisol effects in both people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls, but the blunted cortisol reactivity in the multiple sclerosis group was a baseline finding during the TSST, not an effect of the practice.
Open Binaural BeatsWho was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Multiple Sclerosis
What to avoid
Interventions recorded as making it worse3 listedHighest probability
- →PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A case series described prolonged neurological debilitation after hot-bath testing in four patients with multiple sclerosis. Even mild increases in body temperature can transiently worsen neurological symptoms.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
Four patients with multiple sclerosis had prolonged neurological debilitation after hot bath testing, and the authors advise caution in applying the test.
Open Hot BathRationale
Even mild increases in body temperature can transiently worsen neurological symptoms (pseudoexacerbation) in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- →PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge
Heat exposure can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in many people with multiple sclerosis, a response known as Uhthoff's phenomenon.
Open Hot YogaRationale
Heat exposure can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in many individuals with MS (Uhthoff's phenomenon), making hot yoga potentially harmful.
- →PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge
Heat exposure can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in many people with multiple sclerosis, a response known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and may be disabling.
Open Infrared SaunaRationale
Many MS patients experience Uhthoff's phenomenon—a temporary worsening of neurological symptoms with heat exposure—making sauna use potentially disabling.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition. Research considered here includes approaches such as Swimming, Yoga, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), and CBD (Cannabidiol), with findings addressing different outcomes rather than one single measure of the condition. Evidence about these approaches does not by itself establish that they treat or change Multiple Sclerosis.
Evidence-backed options
The human evidence associated with Multiple Sclerosis is more developed for symptom and function outcomes than for changing the underlying disease course. Swimming has been studied for balance and mobility, while a 4-week Bhramari pranayama program was associated with reductions in fatigue and depression. An eight-week MBSR intervention was associated with improved behavioral outcomes, although hair cortisol did not change significantly. These findings do not establish that such interventions modify disease progression.
Some options have been evaluated with specified amounts or durations. Coenzyme Q10 was studied at 500 mg/day for effects on depression and fatigue. For other options, the available findings do not provide enough information about dose, duration, or how quickly a response appeared to draw a reliable timeline.
The evidence is uneven across the options. Green Tea Extract (EGCG) did not demonstrate a treatment effect on the reported radiologic and clinical disease parameters, whereas findings for CBD (Cannabidiol), Quercetin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B7 (Biotin) are based on reviews rather than clearly established clinical outcomes. Ginger and Lycopene findings come from animal studies, so their relevance to people with Multiple Sclerosis remains uncertain. Creatine findings were unfavorable for the measured muscle outcomes, and the available evidence for several other options is limited. These distinctions matter because promising biological findings, symptom improvements, and disease-modifying effects are not interchangeable.
What to avoid
Finnish Sauna is flagged for review in relation to Multiple Sclerosis because no mechanism has been recorded to explain the contraindication. This means the listing does not establish a verified restriction or identify why the practice may be unsuitable for this condition.
The flag should therefore be understood as a prompt for clinical review rather than a confirmed reason to avoid Finnish Sauna. Anyone with Multiple Sclerosis who is considering sauna use can discuss the individual circumstances with a clinician, particularly when making decisions about practices that may affect a medical condition.