Coaching sportif et sclérose en plaques

Physical activity is not prohibited in multiple sclerosis. However, physical exercise is limited or stopped very early by fear of worsening the disability. In physical tests, people with multiple sclerosis adopting a defiant attitude when faced with difficulties and want to perform despite the exhaustion. However, in everyday life, people with multiple sclerosis develop preventive strategies to limit their activities and avoid excessive fatigue and/or worsening symptoms. In the long run, this limitation of physical activity not only causes a general deconditioning but also an add-on handicap. It is now recognized that not only is physical exercise not deleterious for mutiple sclerosis patients but that it may be beneficial if suitable. The question is how to bring people with progressive chronic disease not only to practice physical activities but also to maintain their physical condition over a very long period? Coaching could be one solution. Coaching is inspired by specific practices in sport. This is a support process to maximize the potential of the individual or a group of persons with respect for their integrity. How is coaching for multiple sclerosis patients specific? First, there is a multitude of symptoms that may interfere with physical activity. Secondly, there are facilitators and barriers to engagement in physical activity for people with multiple sclerosis. And finally, even if the coaching is as effective in men as in women, it has to be more gender-specific (communication, information requests, interest for the task being performed…). Developing a specific protocol for sports coaching is very important for these patients in order to manage symptoms and maintain a regular physical activity.