Art for MS - Controlled Trial

Art for MS - Effects of a 10 Week Multimodal Dance and Art Intervention Program on Fatigue, Fatigability, and Their Related Factors - A Controlled Pilot-trial

This study is a controlled pilot study with 17 participants with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The primary goal of this study is to objectively examine the effects of a multimodal dance intervention on walking-related performance fatigability. The secondary aim is to investigate the effects of a multimodal dance intervention on other MS symptoms related to fatigue and fatigability.

The following research questions will be addressed:

1. Does a multimodal dance intervention have positive effects on walking-related fatigability?
2. Does a multimodal dance intervention have positive effects on other MS symptoms related to fatigue and fatigability?

This study distinguish two groups contributing to a dance and art production. The experimental group will perform 10 weeks of dance training, while the other group will contribute to the production in various ways (e.g. word art, photography, painting, …).

Measures will be taken before and after the training or assistance in the production.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 - 70 years
• Confirmed diagnosis according to the McDonald criteria
• Able to walk independently or with bilateral support for 6 minutes
• Signed the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exacerbation or relapse within last 3 months before onset study
• Other medical conditions interfering with walking ability (e.g. cardiac or respiratory diseases, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson and stroke)