Contributions
Abstract: EP1720
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Others
Introduction: It is well known that physical activity is inversely associated with symptoms severity and stimulates neuroprotection in MS. Nonetheless, people with MS (PwMS) are less physically active than non-diseased persons, especially due to the low level of perceived self-efficacy preventing them from experiencing a large number of physical activities.
Objectives: In the context of an awareness program, promoted by the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in collaboration with the University of Genoa, to favor physical activity and participation in MS, we addressed the impact of the practice of water sports (sailing, windsurfing, Stand-Up-Paddle surf), believed too challenging by PwMS.
Aims: To evaluate the effects of a 5-days water sports training on upper limb, balance and walking performances and to reduce barriers in facing up to physical activities considered too difficult by PwMS.
Methods: The participation to the event “Wind of Change” held in Isola d'Elba (Tuscany) in May 2018 was obtained by recruiting participants through https://www.europewithoutbarriers.eu/. PwMS with minimal disability were admitted to the event. Descriptive measures were collected through validated patient-reported outcome for fatigue (MFIS), walking (MSWS-12) and upper limb (AMSQ) functions. Instrumental tests to assess upper limb (9hpt, grip and pinch), balance and walking (25FWT at self-paced and maximal speed, 2MWT, TUG) abilities were administered before and after the event.
Results: 17 PwMS (14 females) were selected for the event. They were from around Italy and none of them previously experienced the proposed water sports. No minor events, relapses, and/or neurological worsening were reported in the last three months. They were relapsing-remitting, mean age was 29.5 (±3.5) years, MFIS was 19.28 (±14.68), MSWS-12 was 16.71 (±6.04), AMSQ was 33.94 (±7.43). Participants showed a significant improvement in right 9hpt (pre 16.9s, post 15.9s, p< 0.01); left 9hpt (pre 17.9s, post 16.6, p< 0.005); 25FWT self-paced (pre 5.32s, post 4.61s, p< 0.005); 25FWT fast (pre 3.81s, post 3.63s, p< 0.02); 2MWT (pre 175.01m, post 192.44m, p< 0.01); TUG (pre 6.46s, post 6.15, p=0.03); No significant improvement were found in grip and pinch. Participants reported improved self-efficacy due to the water activities proposed during the event.
Conclusions: A 5-days water sports program seems to have a positive effect on upper limb, balance and walking and perceived self-efficacy in PwMS.
Disclosure: Tacchino Andrea: nothing to disclose
Pedullà Ludovico: nothing to disclose
Canepa Patrizio: nothing to disclose
Bonzano Laura: nothing to disclose
Monteleoni Carlo: nothing to disclose
Battaglia Mario Alberto: nothing to disclose
Brichetto Giampaolo: nothing to disclose
Bove Marco: nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1720
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Others
Introduction: It is well known that physical activity is inversely associated with symptoms severity and stimulates neuroprotection in MS. Nonetheless, people with MS (PwMS) are less physically active than non-diseased persons, especially due to the low level of perceived self-efficacy preventing them from experiencing a large number of physical activities.
Objectives: In the context of an awareness program, promoted by the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in collaboration with the University of Genoa, to favor physical activity and participation in MS, we addressed the impact of the practice of water sports (sailing, windsurfing, Stand-Up-Paddle surf), believed too challenging by PwMS.
Aims: To evaluate the effects of a 5-days water sports training on upper limb, balance and walking performances and to reduce barriers in facing up to physical activities considered too difficult by PwMS.
Methods: The participation to the event “Wind of Change” held in Isola d'Elba (Tuscany) in May 2018 was obtained by recruiting participants through https://www.europewithoutbarriers.eu/. PwMS with minimal disability were admitted to the event. Descriptive measures were collected through validated patient-reported outcome for fatigue (MFIS), walking (MSWS-12) and upper limb (AMSQ) functions. Instrumental tests to assess upper limb (9hpt, grip and pinch), balance and walking (25FWT at self-paced and maximal speed, 2MWT, TUG) abilities were administered before and after the event.
Results: 17 PwMS (14 females) were selected for the event. They were from around Italy and none of them previously experienced the proposed water sports. No minor events, relapses, and/or neurological worsening were reported in the last three months. They were relapsing-remitting, mean age was 29.5 (±3.5) years, MFIS was 19.28 (±14.68), MSWS-12 was 16.71 (±6.04), AMSQ was 33.94 (±7.43). Participants showed a significant improvement in right 9hpt (pre 16.9s, post 15.9s, p< 0.01); left 9hpt (pre 17.9s, post 16.6, p< 0.005); 25FWT self-paced (pre 5.32s, post 4.61s, p< 0.005); 25FWT fast (pre 3.81s, post 3.63s, p< 0.02); 2MWT (pre 175.01m, post 192.44m, p< 0.01); TUG (pre 6.46s, post 6.15, p=0.03); No significant improvement were found in grip and pinch. Participants reported improved self-efficacy due to the water activities proposed during the event.
Conclusions: A 5-days water sports program seems to have a positive effect on upper limb, balance and walking and perceived self-efficacy in PwMS.
Disclosure: Tacchino Andrea: nothing to disclose
Pedullà Ludovico: nothing to disclose
Canepa Patrizio: nothing to disclose
Bonzano Laura: nothing to disclose
Monteleoni Carlo: nothing to disclose
Battaglia Mario Alberto: nothing to disclose
Brichetto Giampaolo: nothing to disclose
Bove Marco: nothing to disclose