Qualitative perspectives on aquatic exercise initiation and satisfaction among persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the individual and social experiences underlying the initiation and satisfaction with aquatic exercise among persons with MS.

Methods: A convenience sample (n = 45) of persons aged ≥18 with MS who had engaged in water-based exercise within the previous six months completed a 60–90 min semi-structured telephone interview regarding their aquatic exercise experiences.

Results: An aquatic exercise history was not a prerequisite for the adoption of aquatic exercise. Rather, participants described aquatic exercise routines as stemming from recognition of a decline in physical function combined with encouragement and invitations to join aquatic programs. Despite regular visits, health care providers were not a common source of information regarding the feasibility of aquatic exercise. Participants’ aquatic activities included MS-specific and generalized aquatics courses, with class satisfaction resting on the instructor, class “fit” and a feeling of acceptance.

Conclusion: Communication regarding local aquatic opportunities is critical for ensuring aquatics engagement among persons with MS. Providers could play a stronger role in emphasizing the feasibility and benefits of aquatic programs. In addition, persons with MS should be encouraged to try local MS and more generalized aquatic programs in order to identify a program matching their social and physical goals.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Directed communication regarding aquatic opportunities is essential to prompting the initiation of aquatic exercise

• Both MS-specific and general aquatics classes can provide positive exercise experiences for persons with MS

• A history of regular exercise or aquatic experiences is not a prerequisite for the initiation of aquatic exercise among persons with MS

• Health care provider visits may represent missed opportunities for promoting aquatics; providers should consider the suitability of aquatics for all patients with MS, regardless of the patient’s exercise history.

Keywords:

• Aquatic
• exercise
• fitness centers
• health behavior
• instructors
• multiple sclerosis

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Lee Roman and Gordon Murray for serving as research assistants on this project. The author also sincerely thanks the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for their financial support of this project, as well as the individual MS Society Chapters that assisted with recruitment. Finally, the author wishes to express her ongoing gratitude to the participants who so graciously offered their time and thoughtful discussions of their experiences.

Disclosure statement

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

Funding information

This investigation was supported in part by a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and an Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System [Grant number PP1573].