Episode Details

In this episode of MS-Perspektive International, host Nele von Horsten speaks with David Walzik, PhD student in exercise science at TU Dortmund University and medical student at the University of Cologne, about exercise immunology and what current research can tell us about immune adaptation through movement.

David explains the difference between epidemiological findings and underlying biological mechanisms, and shares results from a recent study comparing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous exercise. While both types of exercise mobilized immune cells, high-intensity exercise led to much stronger changes inside the immune cells — with over 1,000 proteins reorganized after just one session.

Photo of David Walzik (Copyright: Niklas Joisten, TU Dortmund, Germany)

They also discuss what this could mean for people living with multiple sclerosis, why flexibility matters when symptoms fluctuate, and why community and support are key to building sustainable exercise habits.

👉 You can read the full interview on the blog, where all questions and answers are available in detail and easy to follow: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/153-exercise

🧩 Topics covered in this episode

• What exercise immunology is and why it matters

• How exercise affects immune cells

• HIIT vs moderate exercise: what's the difference?

• Can the immune system be "trained" like a muscle?

• What we still need to learn specifically for people with MS

• Why regular movement matters more than perfect training

💛 A gentle reminder

You don't have to exercise perfectly or intensely to benefit.
The most important thing is