MS Fitness Challenge

Honored to be recognized as part of the Forttuna Global 100: THE POWER LIST 2026, a prestigious recognition that celebrates the most influential leaders across the globe shaping the future of excellence, innovation, and impact.

This milestone is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the collective efforts of everyone who has been part of my journey. Too many to mention individually. Grateful for the trust, collaboration, and continued support that make such recognition possible.

A big thank you to The Forttuna Group for this honor. Most importantly, I thank my wife, Kendra, for standing by me through this journey, and to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for keeping me on earth another day to do His work.

Let’s continue to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/theforttunagroup/

I hate to see a post from a PT "Dr." talking about how basic, low-intensity repetition is the way to create neuroplasticity for those of us with MS. Of course, she doesn't have MS so all her information is from what she read in books. The true catalyst for neuroplasticity is BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and it is NOT created the way she stated in her post today.

Here's the truth about Why Low-Intensity Repetition Falls Short of True Neuroplasticity

While it’s great to see awareness growing around neuroplasticity, suggesting that casual marching or leg kicks are the optimal path to rewiring the nervous system misses the most critical piece of the puzzle: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).

Neuroplasticity doesn't happen just because a movement is repeated; it happens when the brain is biochemically primed to change.

1. Repetition Without Intensity is Just Spinning Your Wheels
Doing endless, low-load functional repetitions throughout the day might maintain a current baseline, but it lacks the necessary stimulus to force neurological adaptation. To build new neural pathways around damaged areas, you need a massive surge of BDNF—the "miracle-gro" for the brain.

2. The Science of BDNF Demands High Threshold Stimulus
Clinical research consistently shows that the most potent trigger for systemic BDNF release isn't light, casual movement. It is high-intensity resistance training and high-threshold motor unit recruitment.

Light leg kicks do not demand enough neurological effort to force the brain to adapt.

Intense, targeted resistance training forces the central nervous system to recruit dormant muscle fibers, signaling an urgent need for the brain to forge new pathways.

3. Focus-Driven Training vs. Mindless Reps

True neuroplasticity requires the intersection of absolute cognitive focus and mechanical overload. When you utilize Focus Driven Training (FDT) methodologies, you aren't just going through the motions of a daily chore. You are intentionally forcing intense communication between the mind and the muscle under load. That demand is what causes the nervous system to adapt, rebuild, and overcome.

If you want real, measurable progress in strength and coordination, don't just practice compromised movements. Fuel the brain's ability to change by giving it a high-intensity, focus-driven reason to do so.

JOIN Matt Rowe and David Lyons in the our award-winning, doctor-endorsed OptimalBody-OptimalMind program at

Strengthen Body and Mind Effectively - OptimalBody OptimalMind Developed by National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, David Lyons - a world leading fitness expert for anti-aging, longevity and chronic conditions. The

Staying Ahead of the Game: Why I’m Heading Back to DVC Stem

If you’ve been following my journey, you know I don't believe in letting Multiple Sclerosis dictate my life. As we age, the fight changes, but the goal remains the same: stay ahead of the progression. That’s why I am officially heading back to Grand Cayman for another round of stem cell treatment at DVC Stem.
To understand why I trust them with my life, you have to know where I started.

Years ago, I was training hard using my OptimalBody methods. I was getting stronger, increasing my mobility, and pushing past every limitation. On the outside, it looked like I was beating MS. But underneath, I was dealing with a massive roadblock: I had absolutely zero feeling in my left arm and leg. It was just a constant storm of pain, numbness, and tingling. I couldn't feel a thing when someone touched my limbs, I couldn't feel objects in my hand, and I couldn't even feel the floor beneath my left foot.
I tried using my own stem cells back in 2014, and honestly? It did nothing.

Then came the turning point. In 2018, DVC Stem was launching a clinical study on the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells. I flew down to the Cayman Islands and was incredibly honored to be Patient #1.

The results? Nothing short of a miracle. That first treatment brought the feeling back to my left leg. Suddenly, I could feel the floor again. I could actually feel the movements I was executing, allowing me to build even deeper strength. Because cells naturally target the areas of highest inflammation, my leg absorbed them all, leaving my arm still numb. So, I went back in 2020 for round two—and DVC Stem did it again. The feeling in my left arm returned.
That is the power of advanced, world-class stem cell therapy. It targets what traditional options can't touch.

The Next Chapter -- Lately, MS has been trying to throw some new punches. Recent MRIs showed a few new lesions over the past six years, and I’ve been battling some new nerve pain and eyesight issues. I’m not waiting around for things to get worse. I’m proactive.

I’m heading back to DVC Stem to halt this progression right in its tracks and clear up these new symptoms. Plus, while my 2020 treatment brought back my arm, it didn't quite make it down to my left hand. I’m holding onto the vision that this next round of cells is going to finish the job and repair that final piece.

If you or a loved one are fighting a chronic condition and looking for a real, cutting-edge breakthrough, I cannot recommend the team at DVC Stem enough. They gave me my body back, and now they're helping me keep it.

Grand Cayman, see you soon. Let's get to work. 💪🔥 https://www.dvcstem.com

Rob Hancock

DVC Stem | Advanced Stem Cell Therapy Clinic Stem cell treatment clinic located in Grand Cayman. Our stem cells clinic in the Cayman Islands is currently conducting patient-funded phase II/III clinical trials utilizing culture-expanded umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs).

I am featured in MSN magazine. Honored to still be relevant at 67 years old.

The most empowering leaders to watch in 2026 The business landscape of 2026 is being shaped by a new generation of leaders who are not only driving growth but redefining what it means to lead with purpose. These empowering leaders stand out for their ability to inspire teams,…

Our MS Fitness Challenge: The Journey is still rocking the film festivals, being selected for viewing, and winning awards. Here's the latest... https://optimalbodyfitness.vhx.tv/

Our documentary is still winning awards! Watch it here -
https://optimalbodyfitness.vhx.tv/