title: A pilot study of an exercise-based patient education program in people with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: There is increasing evidence that physical exercise leads to numerous positive effects in PwMS. However, long-term effects of exercise may only be achievable if training is implemented in daily routine. Enabling patients to exercise regularly, we developed a patient education program focused on evidence-based information of training. PwMS were educated in neurophysiological effects of physical exercise, exercise-induced benefits for PwMS, and risk factors (e.g., weather). Fifteen PwMS were analyzed before (T 0) and after (T 1) a 12-week patient education. Afterwards, participants performed their exercises autonomously for 32 weeks and were tested in sustainability tests (T 2). Guided interviews were carried out, additionally. Significant improvements from T 0 to T 1 were found in 6MWT, gait velocity, TUG, fatigue, and quality of life. Significant results of TUG and gait velocity from T 1 to T 2 demonstrated that participants kept few effects after the 32-week training phase. Qualitative analyses showed improved self-confidence and identified training strategies and barriers. This pilot study provides evidence that PwMS are able to acquire good knowledge about physical exercise and apply this knowledge successfully in training management. One might conclude that this exercise-based patient education seems to be a feasible option to maintain or improve patients' integral constitution concerning physical and mental health.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Institute for Complex Health Research, Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, Limburger Street 2, 65510 Idstein, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5182-6062
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kersten
authors.affiliation: BAG, Federal Institute for Human Posture and Movement Development, 65207 Wiesbaden, Germany.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahli
authors.affiliation: Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, 65510 Idstein, Germany.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drosselmeyer
authors.affiliation: Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, 65510 Idstein, Germany ; Sports Science Institute, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lutz
authors.affiliation: Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, 65510 Idstein, Germany.
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liebherr
authors.affiliation: Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, 65510 Idstein, Germany.
authors.forename: Patric
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schubert
authors.affiliation: Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, 65510 Idstein, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Haas