Promoting Physical Activity for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Comparing Individualized Rehabilitation to a Group Wellness Intervention for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a group wellness intervention or individualized physical rehabilitation was more effective in improving health and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Evidence from this study shows that both interventions were effective in improving health and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. The results also show that participants may benefit more physically from individualized physical rehabilitation and more mentally from group wellness interventions. Interventions that combine individualized therapeutic exercise with group health education might be most effective for persons with multiple sclerosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A physician-confirmed diagnosis of MS
• Between the ages of 18 to 75 years
• Ability to ambulate 25 meters with or without the use of an adaptive aide

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Cardiovascular disease
• Had fallen more than twice in the past month
• Significant cognitive deficits