A poster presented at WCPT conference in Amsterdam. Results of an exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis. The published article related to this entitled; The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study, is available from CLINICAL REHABILITATION JOURNAL, 2011

1. Exercise therapy for those moderately affected with Multiple Sclerosis
What do participants think?
Learmonth, Y. C., Paul, L., Marshall-McKenna, R.; School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK,
Mattison, P., Miller L.; Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Unit, Ayrshire Central Hospital, UK.
Introduction Findings The main barriers to exercise were participants MS symptoms
including mobility problems and fatigue levels. With the social
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition often with Similar themes emerged from both groups, and therefore data stigma surrounding MS ,both public and health professions
onset in early adulthood1. There is much quantitative evidence was merged. Three main themes came from the data. These attitudes, also presenting a barrier.
to suggest exercise helps manage some of the physical were: benefits of the class, the exercise class and barriers to “if you were in with
disabilities associated with MS. However less is known on exercise. Themes were interdependent (Figure 1) and the another class you would
feel out of the ordinary”
the views and opinions of those with MS who participate in exercise class emerged as a bridge between the perceived
exercise2-4. This knowledge could help healthcare or leisure barriers to exercise allowing participants to benefit from the Discussion
professionals to tailor exercise options to suit the needs of class and exercise. People with MS identified barriers to exercise during the focus
people with MS. Knowledgeable Motivating
groups, however further discussion established that providing
Symptom improvements Education
an MS specific, community exercise class tailored at an
Non stigmatic instruction Social stigma
Purpose appropriate level provides a number of benefits and inspired
Benefits of the class Barriers to exercise
participants to continue exercising.
Accessible venue
This study sought to establish the views and opinions on
exercise, and on an MS specific exercise class in a group of
people moderately affected with MS who had completed 12
Social Support Inspired to continue Appropriate
length/level/type of
exercise
MS Symptoms
Recommendations
weeks of community based exercise. People with MS value the opportunity to exercise in the
Exercise class community especially with others with a similar health
Participants condition.
Fourteen people with moderate MS (EDSS 5-6.5) taking part in Figure 1. Main themes, and subthemes emerging from the focus group
When establishing new services similar to those in this study it
two community exercise classes, as part of a larger study5, were Many benefits from the class were discussed by participants is important to consider the views of participants.
interviewed in two focus groups (Table 1). including improvements in their symptoms, learning about
Disease
exercise management and MS, the social benefits of the group References
Focus Participants
Age (years) Sex (M:F) EDSS and being inspired to continue exercising. 1. Confavreux C., Vukusic S. Age at disability milestones in multiple sclerosis.
Group (n=) onset (years)
Brain. 2006;129(3):595-605.
“That just emphasises the
“I’ve found it really 2. Dodd K.J., Taylor N.F. Denisenko S, Prasad D. A qualitative analysis of
A 5 54.2 1:4 14.8 6.1 beauty of this class. We all
enjoyable, and I’ve been come in, we all know, a progressive resistance exercise programme for people with multiple
shocked that an improvement we’ve all been through… sclerosis. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2006;28(18):1127-34.
could be made by exercising
B 9 51 3:6 14.8 6.1 at a much gentler level.” 3. Smith C., Hale L., Olson K. Schneiders AG. How does exercise influence
fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis? Disability & Rehabilitation.
Table 1. Mean demographic details of participants (EDSS - Extended Disability Status Scale) 2009;31(9):685-92.
Participants were mainly positive about the exercise class; 4. Plow M.A., Resnik L., Allen S. M. Exploring physical activity behaviour
Methods the length of the class, the type of exercises and the level and of persons with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative pilot study. Disability &
time of each exercise. They felt the style of instruction was Rehabilitation. 2009;31(20):1652-65.
Focus groups were undertaken at the end of 12 weeks of
twice-weekly hour-long group exercise classes which involved appropriate, and most felt an accessible venue made it easier 5. Learmonth, Y. C., Paul, L.; Mattison, P., Miller L.; McFadyen, A. K. The
to attend. effects of a twelve week leisure centre based, group exercise intervention
aerobic, resistance and balance exercises at varying levels of for people moderately affected with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised
difficulty. Interviews were transcribed and thematic content “(the instructor) let you controlled pilot study. 2011 (under review).
analysis applied. Emergent themes and subthemes were work at a comparative
level for yourself”
verified by a second researcher. Funding Sources:
Bevan scholarship
NHS Ayrshire & Arran