Exploring the Effects of a 10-Day Ocean Sailing Intervention in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Oceans of Hope Project

Background: Oceans of Hope is an initiative enabling people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to participate in ocean sailing. Long-term ocean sailing has been hypothesized to promote physical performance and cognitive function in people with MS. However, the effects and feasibility of ocean sailing for rehabilitation purposes remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ocean sailing to improve mechanical muscle function, physical capacity, and fine motor control in people with MS. Methods: In this exploratory study, 15 people with MS participated in 10 days of ocean sailing. Mechanical muscle function, gait speed, postural balance, and fine motor control were tested before and after the intervention. No control group was included. Feasibility was evaluated using adverse events, serious adverse events, drop-outs, and adherence. Results: No serious adverse events were reported, but 10 participants experienced mild or moderate seasickness. Adherence was excellent. Manual dexterity improved, and body weight was reduced after the intervention (P< .05). No other statistically significant pre- to postintervention changes were found. Conclusions: Ocean sailing for 10 days is feasible in people with MS, as none of the participants reported serious adverse events, and seasickness was the only adverse event. No deteriorations were observed in physical or cognitive function. Thus, initial evidence suggests ocean sailing may represent a feasible and safe form of physical activity for people with MS.