Article

PURPOSE: To identify the individual and social experiences underlying the
initiation and satisfaction with aquatic exercise among persons with MS. METHODS:
A convenience sample (n = 45) of persons aged >/=18 with MS who had engaged in
water-based exercise within the previous six months completed a 60-90 min
semi-structured telephone interview regarding their aquatic exercise experiences.
RESULTS: An aquatic exercise history was not a prerequisite for the adoption of
aquatic exercise. Rather, participants described aquatic exercise routines as
stemming from recognition of a decline in physical function combined with
encouragement and invitations to join aquatic programs. Despite regular visits,
health care providers were not a common source of information regarding the
feasibility of aquatic exercise. Participants' aquatic activities included
MS-specific and generalized aquatics courses, with class satisfaction resting on
the instructor, class "fit" and a feeling of acceptance. CONCLUSION:
Communication regarding local aquatic opportunities is critical for ensuring
aquatics engagement among persons with MS. Providers could play a stronger role
in emphasizing the feasibility and benefits of aquatic programs. In addition,
persons with MS should be encouraged to try local MS and more generalized aquatic
programs in order to identify a program matching their social and physical goals.
Implications for Rehabilitation Directed communication regarding aquatic
opportunities is essential to prompting the initiation of aquatic exercise Both
MS-specific and general aquatics classes can provide positive exercise
experiences for persons with MS A history of regular exercise or aquatic
experiences is not a prerequisite for the initiation of aquatic exercise among
persons with MS Health care provider visits may represent missed opportunities
for promoting aquatics; providers should consider the suitability of aquatics for
all patients with MS, regardless of the patient's exercise history.

Langue : ANGLAIS