Publication
People living with neurological conditions in MidWest benefitting from Active Neuro Project
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
A physical activity programme for adults with neurological conditions is up and running in CHO Mid-West. People living in the community with stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, head injury and other conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system are benefiting from the health promoting physical activity programmes. The Active Neuro project is funded by the SláinteCare Integration Fund and has its office base in MS Ireland, Tara House, Limerick. Active Neuro uses an integrated care approach in combining knowledge, skills and resources across the health, social, charity and community sectors to deliver programmes and exercise opportunities.
There are many benefits of exercise and physical activity for people with neurological conditions. Being physically active can reduce symptom severity, improve quality of life and result in reduced healthcare service usage. Group interventions enable additional peer and social support for people living with these disabling conditions and have a strong evidence base.
Ava Battles, CEO MS Ireland, said:
"Now more than ever we can see the importance of working together to ensure the sustainability of our services for the people we serve. The template that we have in the Mid-West can serve as a framework to roll out across other areas. The geographical boundaries that used to exist have been removed with the introduction of online platforms, where we are now delivering exercise programmes in a safe and effective manner that can be tailor made for those in attendance. The feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive, people are delighted to be able to continue to exercise in the comfort of their own home and it is so important to give people mechanisms for saying well and out of the hospital."
Dr Susan Coote, CORU PT, Project Lead said:
"Through the Active Neuro project we have delivered exercise programmes to 159 participants in 2020 providing them with health promoting physical activity to maintain or improve their physical health. We reduced the fall rate by over 50% in our participants, preventing injury and healthcare utilisation. The group online programmes have also been an important social connection as this group cocoon during the pandemic, and the mental health benefits arising from that have been very striking.
"Exercise is an important part of self-management of neurological conditions, being physically active can help with symptoms like, strength and balance, and can also reduce fatigue and mental health issues."
The Active Neuro project received funding from the SláinteCare Integration Fund. MS Ireland is the host organisation and the proposal was developed in partnership with the Limerick Primary Care Physiotherapy Manager. The restrictions due to COVID-19 meant that in person classes were not possible but the Sláintecare funding enabled 110 people to receive an intervention online with 159 programme registrations over eight months. Over 1200 hours of intervention were received, representing excellent value for money and with excellent participant satisfaction.
There has also been great feedback from participants of the Active Neuro Programme:
"I have found participating in Active Neuro has been psychologically a great boost to my mental health and physical health. Especially in the middle of this pandemic."
Patrick 72, living with Parkinson's Disease
"The active neuro classes helped me get back to a normal life and strengthen my leg enough so I could go back driving and go back to work."
Mary, 46, living with MS
"I love active neuro classes online because I wouldn’t do it otherwise. I'm just 50 and I loathe exercising but thanks to MS I know I have to. With these online exercise groups, it gives me the motivation I need."
Janette, living with MS