Article

Persons with MS (pwMS) in the community show reduced physical
activity while studies demonstrated beneficial effects of exercise therapy in
supervised settings. This study investigated, in pwMS living in the
community, the effects of a 1-day education program about exercises and sports,
on physical activity behavior and related outcome measures as self-efficacy,
perceived walking ability, fatigue, perceived impact of MS and quality of life.
METHODS: PwMS attended an education day with theoretical and practical sessions
that was organized by the Flemish MS Society and professional exercise experts.
Forty-two participants immediately completed questionnaires as well as after
three and six months. Overall disability and physical activity level were
measured using PDSS (patient determined disease steps) and PASIPD (Physical
Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities) respectively. Other
outcomes were the ESES, MSWS-12, MFIS, MSIS-29 and SF-36. Analyses of variance
were performed in groups distinguished by self-reported disability level (PDDS
1; n = 18). RESULTS: Groups differed significantly for
perceived walking ability (PDDS,MSWS-12) and physical related-domains of MSIS-29
and SF-36, but not PASIPD. A trend towards significant group*time interaction
effect was found for the PASIPD indicating, at 3 and 6 months, increased physical
activity in the subgroup PDDS </=1. For the MSIS-29, a significant time effect
was found with reduced impact being largest for the more disabled group at 6
months. No changes were found in other outcome measures. CONCLUSION: An one-day
education program had, depending on perceived disability level, some
long-standing effects on physical activity and perceived impact of MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS