WELLNESS RETREATS LED BY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

A. Faraji¹, E. Ulanowski¹, M. Danzl¹

¹Bellarmine University, Physical Therapy, Louisville, United States

Background: Approximately 727,000 individuals are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)in the United States. Impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions vary considerably and impact participation with peers and psychological wellbeing.Individuals with MS can experience decreased self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.The National MS Society calls for interventions and education specific to health and wellness, nutrition, exercise, and emotional wellness. Wellness programs with emphasis on mindfulness, self-management, self-care, and health promotion improve psychological well-being in persons with MS.

Purpose: It is yet to be determined what delivery model for these types of interventions and programs is most effective. Program evaluations and exploration of the perspectives of individuals with MS regarding a community-based wellness retreat led by physical therapists will provide insights on delivery model options and the extent to which participants' expectations and goals were met.

Methods: A program evaluation was used to assess the feasibility, implementation, and delivery of two different modes of a half-day wellness retreat(virtual and in-person). Retreats were facilitated by physical therapists and faculty and students from the local physical therapy program. Both retreats included small group formats focused on self-compassion, meditation and movement, and wellness topics (sleep hygiene for the virtual retreat; healthy habits and energy conservation for the in-person retreat). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 4 participants post-retreat. Qualitative analysis was conducted using the Braun and Clarke’s 6 step approach to code for thematic analysis for the participant’s perceived value of the retreat.

Results: Three overarching themes (sub themes) emerged: 1) Creation of a supportive environment (learning through education, learning through social support, time for reflection), 2) Catalyst to Implementation (information turning point, health behavior change), and 3) Empowerment (self-realization, common humanity, promotion of self-care, need for further learning). Through partnerships between healthcare organizations and a physical therapy program, the retreats were provided at minimal financial cost. Both retreats required time and preparation from the facilitators to design and recruit.

Conclusions: Retreats specific to persons with MS was perceived as valuable and informative whether delivered virtually or in-person. Physical therapists are well-suited to provide this type of program given extensive knowledge of MS and expertise in movement and wellness.

Implications: Physical therapists at low cost can provide valuable information to a community living with a chronic neurological disease such as MS outside of traditional therapy in a variety of way.

Funding acknowledgements: n/a

Keywords:
Multiple Sclerosis
Wellness
Retreats

Topics:
Neurology
Neurology: multiple sclerosis
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Bellarmine University

Committee: Bellarmine University

Ethics number: 923