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

• 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

You don't have to exercise perfectly or intensely to benefit.
The most important thing is to stay active regularly.
Whether it's walking, cycling, strength training, or something else you enjoy — consistency matters more than intensity, especially when living with MS.

📖 Full interview & background:
All questions and answers from this episode are available on the MS-Perspektive blog, including detailed explanations and practical insights: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/153-exercise

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

This time I speak with Dr. Ingrid Klingmann about empowering patient voices in medical research and innovation.

Dr. Klingmann is one of the initiators of EUPATI, a European initiative dedicated to educating patients about the medicines development process. Drawing on her experience as a physician, researcher, and former cancer patient, she explains why informed patients are essential partners in clinical research.

The conversation explores how patient education improves clinical trials, why lay summaries matter, and how digital tools can help patients move from passive recipients to active contributors in healthcare and research.

• Dr. Ingrid Klingmann's journey from family physician to medical research

• Why EUPATI was founded and which gap it fills

• The benefits of patient involvement for research and industry

• How patients can influence clinical trial design

• Why health literacy and education are key to empowerment

• The future of patient involvement in medical research

• EUPATI – European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation: Home | EUPATI Open Classroom

• More episodes and blog articles: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/152-eupati

Dr. Ingrid Klingmann: Please explore EUPATI and use the resources available. Move away from complaining and toward action. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence empowers patients to shape their own healthcare journey.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

In this episode of the MS Perspektive Podcast, Nele von Horsten speaks with Paola Escamilla Greenham, MS patient advocate and patient experience designer living in Grenoble, France.

Paola shares how her life with multiple sclerosis reshaped her priorities and led her toward patient advocacy across Europe. She talks openly about her diagnosis, the emotional shock that followed, and why joy has become her guiding principle in daily life. The conversation explores the importance of community, lived experience in healthcare design, and Paola's vision for involving patients more meaningfully in MedTech and Biotech innovation.

We also discuss Paola's journey through the EUPATI program, her work as a business angel, and what empowerment truly means when living with a chronic illness.

This episode offers inspiration, honesty, and a strong reminder: living well with MS starts with listening to your body and choosing what brings you joy.

• Living with MS between Mexico, France, and Europe

• Diagnosis, shock, and patient experience

• Joy, energy, and improvisational theatre

• Patient advocacy and community support

• Lived experience in healthcare design

• Empowerment and future perspectives in MS care

• 🌍 Learn more about EUPATI: https://eupati.eu

• 💼 Connect with Paola on LinkedIn: Paola Escamilla Greenham | LinkedIn

• 📖 Read the full blog article:
  👉 https://ms-perspektive.de/en/151-paola

...

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.