Developing an Exercise Training Program for Wheelchair Users With MS: Community Advisory Board Feedback

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To develop a novel exercise training program for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use wheelchairs in partnership with a community advisory board (CAB). <h3>Design</h3> Community-engaged, qualitative. <h3>Setting</h3> General Community. <h3>Participants</h3> Participants (N=10) were recruited to be community advisors from a previous research study and met the following inclusion criteria: 18 years of age or older, MS diagnosis, use of a wheelchair ≥ 50% of the day. The sample had a mean age of 61 years and MS duration of 22 years. Nine participants identified as Caucasian and one participant identified as African American. All participants had progressive MS, 50% were female, and 50% used manual wheelchairs. <h3>Interventions</h3> The exercise training program developed based on initial qualitative research included a 16-week progressive exercise prescription (resistance and aerobic training), equipment (training manual, cycle ergometer, resistance bands, fitness tracker, and rate of perceived exertion scale), and one-on-one behavioral coaching based on Social Cognitive Theory. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Content analysis identified elements that aligned with meeting foci (i.e., prescription, equipment, coaching, and outcomes). Feedback was then divided into categories for refinement of the program, specifically suggestions for modifications and additions, as well as components retained as designed. <h3>Results</h3> CAB member feedback was very positive wherein most feedback emphasized potential additions to the materials reviewed. The research team proposed modifications based on the CAB member feedback such as adding wrist weights within the equipment options for completing resistance training exercises. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The CAB feedback overall was invaluable for assessing the appropriateness of the proposed exercise training program prior to feasibility testing. This presentation will provide a model and guidance for other researchers who seek community-engaged research approaches in creating products and interventions. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors declare no conflicts.