Stride Forward: Exploring the journey of running with multiple sclerosis. A qualitative study

Aim: To explore the experience of running from the perspective of individuals with multiple sclerosis, through the lens of health professionals. Design: A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis. Methods: Regular runners with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who were living in Australia were invited to participate in one of five semi-structured focus group interviews or an individual interview. Interviews were conducted online and analysed thematically using NVivo software. Demographic and running activity data for 18 runners were collected via survey and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Eighteen participants (3 male, 15 female) with a median age of 44 years (IQR 12.8; range 31-57) participated in the study. Most met or exceeded the multiple sclerosis general aerobic exercise guidelines, running three days per week (IQR 2.0; range 1-4) for a median duration of 42 minutes per run (IQR 25; range 15-243). Six themes were generated from the interviews: running ability and adaptation, navigating environmental temperatures, ensuring environmental safety, managing health and MS, developing strategies to support running, and the need to run. Conclusion: There are specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with multiple sclerosis who wish to engage in running. Physiotherapists can promote safe running by adapting training, ensuring environmental safety, and facilitating appropriate symptom management. Key practice points: • Tailored guidance and support from physiotherapists can be useful in engaging and sustaining safe participation in running for individuals with multiple sclerosis • Physiotherapists can enable individuals with multiple sclerosis to maximise their potential in exercise such as running.

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APASC25: Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference

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