Integrating Acupuncture Within a Wellness Intervention for Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts quality of life, necessitating effective symptom management and health promotion strategies.
• Holistic interventions offer a promising avenue for improving well-being in individuals with chronic neurological conditions.
• Group-based approaches can enhance social support and adherence to health-promoting behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore changes in symptom management, health promotion, and quality of life in women with MS.
• To evaluate a novel holistic intervention integrating group acupuncture and health promotion education.
• To assess the feasibility and participant reception of the combined intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post, nonexperimental pilot study design was employed.
• Fourteen women with MS (average age 54) participated in eight group sessions.
• Sessions included health promotion education and group acupuncture, delivered consecutively.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions were observed in self-reported fatigue, stress, pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep interference.
• Significant increases were noted in health-promoting behaviors, self-efficacy, social functioning, and overall quality of life.
• Focus groups revealed positive participant responses to the combined acupuncture and health promotion intervention.

Conclusions:

• Holistic interventions combining acupuncture and health promotion demonstrate potential benefits for individuals with MS.
• Group acupuncture delivery within wellness classes is a feasible and well-received approach.
• Findings support further investigation into integrated, holistic strategies for managing MS symptoms and enhancing quality of life.