MS Ireland is rolling out a new online activity programme for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.
Active Neuro offers evidence-based health promoting physical activity programmes for adults living with neurological conditions in the community. The pilot project was funded by the Slaintecare Integration Fund in the Midwest, and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is currently rolling out this service for people in the west with the support of the HSE disability services in CHO-2.
Online programmes in the last two years have been extremely successful as they reduce the barriers of transport, accessibility, and fatiguing travel. Findings from online programmes demonstrate significant improvements in strength, reduction in falls, and better mental health outcomes both for MS specific and mixed neurological diagnoses programmes.
A total of 71 per cent of participants in online programmes demonstrated an improvement in leg strength, while 56 per cent reported an improvement in fatigue. The number of falls was reduced by 49 per cent among participants, who also experienced a 28 per cent increase in balance scores.
Forty three per cent of participants reduced their usage of healthcare services after participation in a programme, with a 33 per cent reduction in A&E and a 57 per cent reduction in inpatient admissions (from 122 days to 52 days ).
There was also a 21 per cent improvement in depressive symptoms among participants.
"We are delighted to roll out the Active Neuro project in the west," said Prof Susan Coote, physio/exercise coordinator with MS Ireland. "Participants in or pilot project demonstrated improvements in strength, walking, and mental health, and reduced usage of healthcare services. Our exercise programmes online also improved availability of, and access to, health promoting physical activity programmes which are essential for people with neurological conditions to live well at home in their communities.”
Programme participant Sarah Conroy, from Tipperary, added: “The Active Neuro classes have been a lifeline for me, helping me to get regular exercise and maintain a level of fitness and mobility. Being able to do the classes online in my own home is key, as I'm not able to travel to the in-person classes. I highly recommend the programme as a vital boost for both physical and mental health.”
The aim of the programme is to reduce symptom severity and increase quality of life of people living with neurological conditions in Ireland enabling them to live well in their communities and reduce healthcare service utilisation. Adults who take part will join classes based on their ability/symptoms and the programmes will be tailored for people newly diagnosed and those who have been living with their neurological condition for longer.
For more information contact Thomas McCarthy at MS Ireland on [email protected] or 086 049 8046. For more on multiple sclerosis visit www.ms-society.ie
