This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2000 Nov-Dec;22(6):425-31.

Mindfulness of movement as a coping strategy in multiple sclerosis. A pilot study.

Mills N, Allen J.

Clinical Psychologist and Course Tutor, South Wales Doctoral Course in Clinical Psychology, South Wales, UK.

This study investigated the effectiveness of a short course of mindfulness of movement to help with symptom management in eight people with multiple sclerosis. Progress was compared to a control group who were asked to continue with their current care. Each participant received six individual one-to-one sessions of instruction. They were also provided with audio and videotape aides. Each participant was assessed on a test of balance, pre- and post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. All participants completed a rating of change of 22 symptoms relevant to multiple sclerosis. A close relative or friend was also asked to assess independently the degree of change. The mindfulness group reported improvement over a broad range of symptoms. This was verified by the relatives' independent rating and maintained at 3 month follow-up. The control group showed no improvement but instead tended towards a deterioration on many of the items. The physical assessment of balance also showed a significant improvement for the mindfulness group. This improvement was maintained at 3 month follow-up. In conclusion, training in mindfulness of movement appeared to result in improved symptom management for this group of people with multiple sclerosis. This was a pilot study, using small numbers, so the results need to be treated with caution. Several improvements to the experimental design are suggested. The role of individual therapeutic ingredients is discussed.

Linky

Is this a new expression that they use for intense physiotherapy or exercise?
Seems that this mindfulness of movement would make a lot of sense since we are all trying to walk properly... Carole

Carolew--I would guess that it is as you ask. There was a health spot on our local news just yesterday which featured "forced exercise" as very helpful to people with Parkinson's Disease. The shaking had completely stopped after this exercise for the patient with PD; he could write; and the improvement lasted hours longer than medication. (It looked to me like the patient was on an exercise bike. Another was on a tandem exercise bike--I didn't even know such a contraption existed!)

The narrative stated this was exercise that would bring on a sweat; and it was assumed it would help those with MS also.