The meaning of spasticity to people with Multiple Sclerosis: What can health professionals learn?

MORLEY, Alexandra, TOD, Angela, CRAMP, Mary and MAWSON, Sue (2013). The meaning of spasticity to people with Multiple Sclerosis: What can health professionals learn? Disability and Rehabilitation, 35 (15), 1284-1292.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2012.726691

Abstract

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. One third of people on an American registry of people with MS (PWMS) reported having activities affected by spasticity. The psychosocial effects of spasticity in people with MS have been shown to be distressing and detrimental to emotional and social relationships when investigated from a psychology perspective. This paper investigates the impact of spasticity on the lives of people living with MS from a physiotherapeutic perspective. Method: This study involved 12 semi-structured interviews with individuals experiencing MS-related spasticity. Ten sets of data were analyzed following framework analysis principles. Results: Results suggest spasticity effects life experience of these PWMS in diverse and complex ways. Physical, psychological and social consequences of spasticity are closely linked and can be far reaching. Conclusions: Therapists need to be aware of links between specific physical symptoms and their psychosocial consequences if they want to improve peoples' quality of life. This paper provides in depth qualitative research evidence for the complexity of the spasticity experience for each individual, strengthening the argument for a patient-centred approach to treatment. These results also support the case for targeted interventions with effectiveness recorded in a patient-centred way.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2012.726691
Page Range: 1284-1292
Depositing User: Stephanie Portier
Date Deposited: 08 Nov 2012 10:41
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 23:45
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6509

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