A qualitative exploration of the impact of a 12-week group exercise class for those moderately affected with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The evidence base to support therapeutic exercise for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is improving; however few studies have considered the patients' perspective. This study aimed to explore the experiences and views of people moderately affected with MS following participation in a 12-week exercise programme.


METHODS
Twenty people with MS participated in a group exercise class. Subsequently, four men and ten women took part in one of two focus groups. Semi-structured questions were used to elicit participants' views on the exercise class, outcomes from exercise and the exercise class and any perceived facilitators or barriers to exercise. Data were analysed using a general inductive method.


RESULTS
Benefits to participating in exercise for those with MS included social support and symptom improvement. Psychosocial factors, symptoms and lack of service emerged as exercise barriers. Three inter-related themes emerged; (1) The exercise class developed as a bridge to allow participants to realise, (2) the benefits of the class, helping them to overcome and (3) barriers to exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
Taking part in an exercise class was a positive experience for people with MS. Healthcare professionals should work with exercise professionals to provide feasible exercise opportunities to help those with MS benefit from therapeutic exercise.
College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. y.learmonth.1@research.gla.ac.uk
Y C
YC
Learmonth
R
R
Marshall-McKenna
L
L
Paul
P
P
Mattison
L
L
Miller
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome