Exercise Rehabilitation Program in MS Who Use Wheelchairs as a Primary Mobility Device

Summary

Approximately 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) use a wheelchair within 30 years of the initial diagnosis. Wheelchair use in MS is often associated with fatigue as a consequence of muscle weakness. Indeed, fatigue, a prevalent consequence of MS, often becomes debilitating and exhausts energetic resources when carrying-out tasks of daily life and/or interacting with the community, as these require ambulatory mobility. This experience of excessive fatigue has its roots in muscle weakness and results in reliance on a wheelchair for mobility, and the dependency on a wheelchair may further reduce muscular strength, particularly of the lower extremities. We propose that wheelchair users with MS can increase muscular strength through a personalized exercise rehabilitation, and this in turn will improve ambulatory performance and possibly reduce fatigue. To date, no research has examined the effects of this specific exercise rehabilitation program (GH method) on physical function and other disease-related outcomes in persons with MS who use wheelchairs as a primary mobility device.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of MS
* age above 18 years
* no relapse within last 30 days
* use of wheelchair for mobility in the community
* ability to walk at least 50 feet (or 65 steps) using an assistive device
* low risk for contraindications of physical activity indicated by no more than a single "yes"
* response on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
* willingness to complete the assessments and undergo randomization

Exclusion Criteria:

* no diagnosis of MS
* less than 18 years of age
* not relapse-free within the last 30 days
* no use of wheelchair as primary mobility device
* no ability to walk for at least 50 feet (or 65 steps)
* high risk for contraindications based on more than a single "yes" response on the PAR-Q
* not willing to complete the testing procedures and undergo randomization

Conditions1

Locations1 site

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