Community-based group aquatic programme for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of providing a community-based aquatic exercise programme and to examine the effects of a group aquatic exercise programme in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study illustrates the implementation of a multidisciplinary community-based programme in a university community wellness centre coordinated with a local advocacy group.


METHODS
Eleven subjects with multiple sclerosis participated in a 5-week community-based aquatic exercise programme. Aquatic exercises were held twice weekly for 60 minutes and included aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training and walking activities. The 10-Metre Walk test, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the 'Timed Up and Go' (TUG) test, grip strength and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were used to assess motor function.


RESULTS
Analysis of the scores demonstrated improved gait speed, BBS, TUG test and grip strength. The average attendance of the training sessions was good (88%), and no incidence of injuries, no incidence of falls and no adverse effects related to the exercise programme were reported. All participants reported that they enjoyed the programme, and they had improved after the training.


CONCLUSIONS
A community-based aquatic exercise programme is feasible and resulted in improvement in motor functions of individuals with multiple sclerosis. These findings indicate that an aquatic training programme is appropriate and beneficial for individuals with multiple sclerosis and should be considered to augment the rehabilitation of those individuals. This programme may provide a viable model for a community-based wellness programme for people with disability including individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Salem
Yasser
Y
Department of Physical Therapy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA. yasser.salem@liu.edu
Scott
Anne Hiller
AH
Karpatkin
Herbert
H
Concert
George
G
Haller
Leah
L
Kaminsky
Eva
E
Weisbrot
Rivky
R
Spatz
Eugene
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology