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Introduction: The Theory of Self-Transcendence proposes that individuals who face human vulnerability or mortality obtain an increased capacity for self- transcendence and its positive influence on well-being. The aim of current study was to determine the effect of Peer Support Groups on promotion of Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis by Testing Reed’s Self-Transcendence Theory. Methods and Materials:This study is a before and after quasi-experimental method based on self-transcendence theory that was conducted on 33 patients with confirmed MS participated in 3 peer support groups. Eight weekly 2 hours sessions were held. Data collection tools was Physical aspect of ‘ Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory’ with 78 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.93, ‘Self-Transcendence Scale’ (STS) with 15 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.68 that after modifying, it increased to 0.81. Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) with 75 items and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.80. Patients completed tools pre- and post of sessions. Data analyzed by SPSS (v.18). Findings: Illness perception can predict self-transcendence and physical health with 0.7207 effects. Also, self-transcendence can predict physical health with 0.43 effects. New finding was a direct relation between illness perception and physical health (p=0.001) that was not mentioned in Reed's Theory. Conclusions: Based on the results, this theory can be used in research and educational management in nursing and nursing management to improve the physical health of MS patients.

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Abstract

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease and degenerative myelin in the central neurons that its complications provide physical problems and mental illness. However, it seems that social support controlled psychological stresses and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of perceived social support and some of the demographic factors in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 395 patients of the MS Society in Tehran were selected by continuous sampling. Data gathering instrument was “Social Support Questionnaire” of Nortouse (SSQ). Cronbach's alpha for this instrument was 0.90. Data was analyzed by SPSS/16.

Findings: The results showed that 156 patients (39.5%) had perceived social support at moderate levels. Between perceived social supports, age, educational level, employment status and monthly income were significantly correlated. However, between perceived social support and sex, marital status, family or relatives’ risk, disease duration and history of hospitalization, significant correlation was not found.

Conclusion: Regarding the perception of patients, nurses can by identify the high risk groups and prevent them from the isolation and with appropriate supportive interventions, improve their quality of life.

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Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in the central nervous system which affects an individual’s daily life. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Pilates workouts on fatigue, motor disability, and muscle flexibility in women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in Tabriz.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 34 women who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis are selected through convenient sampling and randomly divided into two control and experimental groups. Data is collected by “Fatigue Severity Scale”, Expanded Disability Status Scale’ and “Muscle Flexibility Test” questionnaires. The exercising protocol for the experimental group included three 60-minute sessions of exercise per week for eight weeks. 24 hours prior and after the first and final exercise sessions, the variables under study are assessed. The data collected is analyzed using SPSS.20.

Results: After eight-weeks of pilates workouts in experimental group, fatigue, motor disability and muscle flexibility are significantly different with similar ones in the control group (P = 0.05). These values were not significant in the control groups.

Conclusions: This study indicate that, the Pilates workouts on women suffering from the Multiple Sclerosis reduces fatigue and motor disability. Therefore, to reduce the fatigue and enhance the motor disability in these patients, it is recommended to apply Pilates workout session as a novel non-aggressive technique.

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Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is one of the common chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, which, in addition to physical symptoms, causes patients psychological problems. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of " Progressive Stress Relief Training" on pain intensity and psychological well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: The method of semi-experimental research was pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of the research was made up of all the patients with multiple sclerosis who referred to the medical centers of Tehran in the summer and autumn of 2022, the sample consisted of 40 people, who were selected by convenience and purposive sampling and randomly stratified between 2 intervention and control groups (20 people each). The data was collected with demographic questionnaire, "McGill Pain Questionnaire" and “Psychological Well-Being Scale-Revised”. Regarding the validity and reliability of the instruments, previous studies were used. 10 training sessions of "Progressive Stress Relief Training" were implemented for the intervention group and the intervention.
For the control group, intervention was done after completing the study. Data were analyzed in SPSS. 22.
Results: "Progressive Stress Relief Training" has been effective in improving pain intensity                    (P-value <0.05) and improving psychological well-being (P-value <0.05) in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Conclusions: "Progressive Stress Relief Training" was effective in reducing the intensity of pain and increasing the psychological well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it is suggested to use this intervention as a complementary therapy to improve the pain intensity and improve the psychological well-being of these patients along with drug therapy.