MSFit Program
What is "MS"?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults in the U.S. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. People living with MS that lack physical activity may experience an increased risk of depression, poor balance, fatigue, and secondary diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Studies show that exercise not only improves overall health and well-being, but can also help to manage and reduce many MS symptoms.
About MSFit
Mission: MSFit Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to actively serving MS participants with access to a free fitness and wellness program that will help promote good mood, muscle strength, mobility, stamina, and overall quality of life. MSFit will also provide internship opportunities to graduate students seeking to gain hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy.
MSFit was designed by neurologists, physical therapists, fitness and wellness specialists. This unique program combines range of motion, aquatic, aerobic, and balance exercises. Other program activities include wellness, nutrition, and general MS education that will help enhance the quality of life for participants and their families. MSFit works with fitness & wellness specialists to deliver a program that is designed to improve: Mood, Muscle Strength, Mobility, Cardiovascular Health, Cognitive Function, and Overall Quality of Life.
In addition to fitness and wellness, MSFit has joined forces with Winston-Salem State University Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy to provide graduate students with hands-on experience working with MSFit participants in the MSFit Clinic.
MSFit Clinic
Participants with MS are evaluated monthly in a community based clinic held at the Gateway YWCA in Winston-Salem, NC. WSSU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy students partner with licensed physical and occupational therapists to assess participants’ physical, mental, functional, and social status. Clinic personnel use reliable and valid outcome measures endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association and American Occupational Therapy Association. Participants are reassessed at each visit to determine progress toward goals and to identify new or developing issues that require a change in treatment plan or referral to additional medical services. The MSFit Clinic program objectives are to:
- Empower people to move beyond their MS by giving them the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, and live their best lives through health and wellness.
- Enhance the physical, emotional, and overall quality of life of participants and their families.
- Provide graduate level physical therapy students with a valuable educational experience managing the MSFit Clinic and working hands-on with people living with MS.
- Take the results from the program and provide them to physicians and neurologists to go towards studies and research.
MSFit Clinic Location and Contact Information
YWCA Wellness Center
1300 South Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
336-354-1589
Contact Dr. Sara Migliarese at migliaresesj@wssu.edu for more information!
