This course—approved for continuing education credits through the American Council on Exercise (ACE)—is a resource for fitness and wellness professionals, including aquatics instructors, yoga teachers, personal trainers and other professionals who want to learn more about MS. It provides an overview of the disease and offers specific strategies for working with a diverse MS population.
“The MS training was thorough, interesting, and very well done. I wanted to do it myself before I sent the link to my staff, but now I hope all of them take the time to learn. It would be so helpful if other organizations provided training like yours. We would be so much better equipped for wider populations."
– Tammy, Health and Wellness Coordinator Whatcom Family YMCA
People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are involved in exercise and other active behaviors often experience an increased sense of well-being in addition to other benefits such as maintained or increased:
- strength and endurance
- joint range of motion and flexibility
- coordination and balance
- cardio-respiratory endurance
The National MS Society supports the overall health of people with MS across the various domains of wellness, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational. We encourage health-promoting behaviors that will enhance quality of life and maximize well-being.
Providing safe, effective and enjoyable physical activity instruction to support the physical well-being of people living with MS starts with understanding the needs and special considerations of MS.
After completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- describe basic facts about MS
- identify MS symptoms that affect movement and activity level
- consider ways to modify exercise and movement to accommodate the functional issues and concerns presented by a person with MS
- interact more comfortably with people with disabilities
- describe safety and accessibility issues important to people with MS
This course is eligible for continuing education credits from ACE; it is not a credentialing or licensing process.
- At your own pace, view each of the 7 modules in order, as content for each builds on the material presented in previous modules.
- Review all of the materials in each module, including information, videos and links to additional materials. You may leave and return to the course as you like.
- There is a short test at the end of the course. Upon passing, you will be able to print a certificate indicating that you took the course and are eligible for continuing education credits. If you don’t pass, you may take the test again.
- Please complete the intake form if you are interested in further engagement with the Society.