Exercise Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis Participant: Case Study

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.