The Perceived Influence of a Targeted Group Exercise Program on the Well-Being of Women Living with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: Prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms have significantly increased since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Furthermore, home confinement regulations have caused a drastic increase in time spent sedentary. Online group fitness classes may be an effective strategy that can increase maternal physical activity and improve mental health outcomes by providing an opportunity for social connectedness. The present study explores the experiences of pregnant women who participated in an online group exercise program during the pandemic and identifies relationships with maternal mental health and well-being. In addition, we present person-informed recommendations on how to improve the delivery of future online prenatal exercise programs.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women (8-39 weeks of pregnancy) who participated in an online group exercise program, from March to October 2020 in Spain. A phenomenological approach was taken, and open-ended questions were asked to understand women’s experiences throughout the pandemic and the role the online exercise classes may have had on their physical activity levels, mental health, and other health behaviours such as diet. A thematic analysis was performed to evaluate data. In addition, women completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and these data supplemented qualitative findings. Results: Twenty-four women were interviewed, and the average STAI score was 32.23 ± 9.31, ranging from low to moderate anxiety. Thematic analysis revealed that women felt safe exercising from home, an increased availability of time to schedule a structured exercise class, and consequently an improvement in their adherence to the program and other behaviours (i.e., healthier diet). Women emphasized feeling connected to other pregnant women when they exercised online together, and overall, this had a positive effect on their mental well-being. Women suggested that future online exercise programs should include flexible options, detailed instructions and facilitation by a qualified exercise professional.Conclusion: Pregnant women are receptive to online group exercise classes and expressed that these are an accessible option to accommodating physical activity during the pandemic. In addition, the online group environment provides an important sense of connectivity among pregnant women exercising together and this may mitigate the detrimental effect of COVID-19 on maternal mental health.

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Exercise Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis Participant: Case Study

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073-9.3.126 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 126-130

Author(s):

Matthew S. Wiggins ◽

Emily Rader ◽

Jeremy B. Erdmann

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Well Being ◽

Upper Body ◽

Whole Body ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Body Experience ◽

Physical Strength ◽

Exercise Barriers

The purpose of this case study was to determine whether an exercise program could increase physical strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility in a multiple sclerosis (MS) participant while improving the individual's psychological well-being. The activity sessions were designed around a whole-body experience, with 10–12 exercise/weight-training stations two times per week for 6 months. Several initial baseline assessments were taken for physical strength (leg press, handgrip dynamometer), upper-body endurance (chest press), flexibility/range of motion (sit-and-reach test, shoulder-stick test), balance (stork stand), and body-fat analysis. Increases in these functional tests were recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Psychological well-being measures were taken at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with social physique anxiety and quality-of-life measures showing overall improvement and self-efficacy related to exercise barriers showing a slight improvement. The importance of this case study is discussed in relation to other MS survivors and the maintenance of their functional capacities.

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“The healthy me appears”: Palliative cancer patients' experiences of participation in a physical group exercise program

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951509990460 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 459-467 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Hanne Paltiel ◽

Edel Solvoll ◽

Jon Håvard Loge ◽

Stein Kaasa ◽

Line Oldervoll

Keyword(s):

Life Expectancy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Well Being ◽

Small Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Semistructured Interview ◽

Group Exercise

AbstractObjective:Tentative results from a pilot study showed that patients with advanced cancer were willing and able to take part in a group exercise intervention. Limited knowledge exists, though, about the meaning and significance of such programs. The purpose of the present study was to understand the meaning of such an intervention for the individual participant and thereby to provide knowledge for shaping future clinical practice.Methods:Thirty-four palliative cancer patients with a life expectancy of less than 1 year completed a 6-week group exercise program. Five randomly selected individuals were interviewed 7 months after completion. Results from a self-report evaluation questionnaire identified relevant themes that formed the basis of an interview guide. These were addressed in a semistructured interview. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed with a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach.Results:Two main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) perceptions of the group and (2) a secure and caring setting for the group. Themes identified regarding perception of the group were a sense of belonging and commitment. Themes identified regarding a secure and caring setting for the group were a life-empowering group as a setting for enhancing coping, the qualifications of those who led the group, and a public gym as an unsuitable setting.Significance of results:Our study indicates that an individually adjusted group exercise program, with competent leaders, can provide a setting to enhance psychological well-being in cancer patients with life expectancy below 1 year. Small sample size, however, limits the possibility to generalize the findings.

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The Satisfaction of Older Adults About Online Group Exercise Program: An alternative option to maintain physical and mental wellbeing during COVID 19 pandemic

Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management ◽

10.24083/apjhm.v16i3.955 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 42-48

Author(s):

Mayur Revadkar ◽

Riddhi Goradia

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New Technologies ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Well Being ◽

Group Exercise ◽

Online Platforms ◽

Alternative Option ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Online Group

Background: Considering the impact of lockdown on older adults, there is a need for some online option to maintain the physical and mental well-being of this vulnerable population in the current pandemic situation. Generally, In the Indian context, elderly are not well acquainted with online platforms for different purposes of shopping, health or for being socially active. However with adequate training they are willing to learn new technologies and adapt to online platforms. Objectives: To find the satisfaction of Online group exercise program for older adult’s population to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Methodology: It was a web-based intervention study where 40 participants were invited to fill the patient satisfaction questionnaire and feedback form using Google Forms. Participants who have attended the online group exercise class at least for a period of 1 month (20 Sessions) were included in the study. Out of 40, 34 participants responded to the questionnaire. Results: As per descriptive statistical analysis, results showed that 100% of study population was satisfied in all aspects of online exercise program. Conclusion: With adequate training and constant technical support; elderly population can be encouraged to participate in online group exercise program which is well appreciated by this population as an alternative option in changing health care delivery models.

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Program Evaluation Results of a Structured Group Exercise Program in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073-12.2.92 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 92-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mary E. Charlton ◽

Kelley Pettee Gabriel ◽

Terry Munsinger ◽

Lorene Schmaderer ◽

Kathleen M. Healey

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Medical Center ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Group Exercise ◽

Balance Confidence ◽

Study Population ◽

Rigorous Study ◽

The University ◽

The Impact

Although research-based and anecdotal evidence support the beneficial role of physical activity in symptom management among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), the integration of physical activity into the lifestyles of people with disabilities remains a challenge. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and perceived effectiveness of a group Jazzercise program that was modified to fit the needs of individuals with MS. The study population included patients diagnosed with definite MS who were receiving care at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Eleven of 14 initial participants remained in the program after 16 weeks and were mailed a short anonymous questionnaire designed to assess self-reported improvement in balance, confidence, coordination, energy, flexibility, mood, and strength, and to determine satisfaction and motivation to continue the course. Nine of the 11 participants (82%) at week 16 returned the survey. Of the nine respondents, all (100%) reported improvements in mood and energy, seven (77.8%) reported improvements in confidence, six (66.7%) reported improvements in flexibility and strength, and five (55.6%) reported improvements in balance and coordination. All nine respondents indicated that they enjoyed the class and were motivated to continue the program. The results provide justification for continued evaluation of this unique structured group exercise program in individuals with MS. A larger sample size and a more rigorous study design are needed to further examine the impact of the program on physiologic and psychosocial factors in individuals with MS.

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The Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS) Scale

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000350 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 352-360 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Silvia Bonino ◽

Federica Graziano ◽

Martina Borghi ◽

Davide Marengo ◽

Giorgia Molinengo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Measurement Invariance ◽

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Rasch Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

And Coping

Abstract. This research developed a new scale to evaluate Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS). The aim of this study was to investigate dimensionality, item functioning, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the SEMS scale. Data were collected from 203 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (mean age, 39.5 years; 66% women; 95% having a relapsing remitting form of MS). Fifteen items of the SEMS scale were submitted to patients along with measures of psychological well-being, sense of coherence, depression, and coping strategies. Data underwent Rasch analysis and correlation analysis. Rasch analysis indicates the SEMS as a multidimensional construct characterized by two correlated dimensions: goal setting and symptom management, with satisfactory reliability coefficients. Overall, the 15 items reported acceptable fit statistics; the scale demonstrated measurement invariance (with respect to gender and disease duration) and good concurrent validity (positive correlations with psychological well-being, sense of coherence, and coping strategies and negative correlations with depression). Preliminary evidence suggests that SEMS is a psychometrically sound measure to evaluate perceived self-efficacy of MS patients with moderate disability, and it would be a valuable instrument for both research and clinical applications.

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