Laura Hawkins
Tanzania
Research Article
People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Improve in Measures of Health and
Function after Participation in a Community-based Exercise Program
Author(s): Deborah Backus, Blake Burdett, Laura Hawkins and Christine ManellaDeborah Backus, Blake Burdett, Laura Hawkins and Christine Manella
Objective: Exercise is safe for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is necessary to combat the secondary deconditioning resulting from MS-related weakness and fatigue. People with MS often encounter barriers to exercise, such as inaccessible facilities/equipment, lack of proper guidance, and limited finances. This study examined outcomes in nine people with MS who participated in an outpatient exercise program designed specifically for people with MS.
Design: The program was designed in part based on input from a focus group of participants with MS. Group exercise and education classes were coordinated by a physical therapist and an exercise specialist. Specific exercises were chosen for each individual based on their impairments and ability. Outcome measures collected before, and 3 and 6 months after, program initiation assessed cardiorespiratory functi.. View More»
