Smith, Moira (2023) Flexible Exercise Participation Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis. In: [Presented at the 2023 Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference]. From: Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference 2023, 4-7 October 2023, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) hits at a point in life when many people are engaged in employment, family activities, sport and exercise. Individuals with MS wishing to have an active lifestyle seek to fit different forms of exercise into their routine, including sporting activities such as running, football or cycling. However, interventions to support and progress participation in high-level mobility activities are lacking. Many are concerned about the impact that activity or exercise will have on fatigue and have difficulty finding the right balance between too much and too little exercise. With consumer input, a flexible exercise participation program (FEPP) was developed to enable individuals with minimal disability from MS, participate in an exercise or sport of their choice. The flexibility of the FEPP provided the ability to vary duration, frequency and intensity of exercise depending on individual energy levels. Remote health professional support, using behaviour change techniques, was provided to assist achievement of exercise goals across the 12-week intervention. Trial feasibility was confirmed via measures of process, resources, management and scientific safety. FEPP feasibility was confirmed by the participants’ ability to modify and progress exercise participation and achievement of goals. Participants valued the flexibility of the individualised program, much of which demanded a high level of mobility. Health professionals can set the bar high and enable individuals with MS to maximise their potential in exercise and sport. The FEPP as a mechanism to help provide this support is safe, feasible and highly acceptable to individuals with minimal disability from MS.

Item ID:	88769
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	multiple sclerosis, exercise
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2025 23:52
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420106 Physiotherapy @ 50% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420109 Rehabilitation @ 50%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200403 Disability and functional capacity @ 100%
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