MS does not mean giving up your dreams

D'hooghe MB, Feys P, Deltour S, Van de Putte I, De Meue J, Kos D, O Eijnde B, Van Asch P. Impact of a 5-day expedition to machu picchu on persons with multiple sclerosis.Mult Scler Int. 2014;2014:761210.

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are less physically active than non-diseased persons and often report low self-efficacy levels. In the context of an awareness project to promote physical activity and participation in MS, we addressed the impact of training for and participation in a unique expedition. Medical events, relapses, and self-reported neurological worsening were followed from 6 months before and up to 4 months afterwards. Validated patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess fatigue, self-efficacy in exercising, walking abilities, and illness perception. Nine participants completed the training, expedition, and observational study. Minor events, relapses, and/or neurological worsening were reported in six participants. The three participants with mild disability and no cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities were free of medical and neurological events. We found a significant reduction of motor fatigue at last when compared with the first assessment. The reduction tended to be more evident in participants with mild disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) <4 at baseline). Cognitive fatigue, self-efficacy, and self-reported walking abilities did not change significantly. Illness perceptions tended to be reduced over time in the domains of consequences, identity, and concerns. Overall, no major adverse events occurred.

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level, located in Peru

MS does not mean giving up your dreams but you may have to think differently how best to achieve them

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