Application of an Adapted Physical Exercise Program in an Individual with Multiple Sclerosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47363/JPMRS/2025(7)212Keywords:
Adapted Physical Education, Physical Activity, Multiple SclerosisAbstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s central nervous system and significantly affects the balance and control of the muscular system. The purpose of this work was to implement an interventional water exercise program in a 60-year-old woman with relapsing multiple sclerosis, with mild symptoms, to improve her physical and psychological condition as well as her general well-being, through the reduction of the effects of the disease. The exercise program lasted 2 weeks, for a total of 10 sessions, lasting 45 minutes each, mainly in the morning hours. The intervention took place during the patient’s summer vacation and all sessions took place in a heated indoor pool, 1.50 m deep, of a hotel unit. In the first and last session, assessment tests were applied to determine the physical condition and wellbeing of the patient. The assessment of flexibility was done with the Sit and Reach test, then the Chair Rise Test was used to determine the strength of the lower limbs as well as the Single Leg Stance Test for static balance. The evaluation of the psychological state was done with a questionnaire of subjective perception consisting of 20 questions. The sessions included exercise in the water, with or without the use of special equipment, such as noodles, planks and water dumbbells, while the intervention included stability, strengthening, mobility, agility and trunk and upper-lower limb control exercises.
According to the results, the fitness tests showed no significant changes in the functionality of the trainee. However, there has been a positive change in her mental health and quality of life, with an improvement in the synesthetic limitations caused by the condition. In conclusion, the positive effects of exercise on the psychological parameters of the multiple sclerosis patient were confirmed. In order to improve the physical parameters, a longer time of implementation of the intervention program is suggested.
