"Wandering through the Jordan desert with multiple sclerosis". How hiking and outdoor life can recalibrate body awareness and self-identity in people with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Background: Although people with MS benefit from exercise, a more sedentary life seems common among this population. Exercise positively influences body awareness (BA), while chronic illness seems to have an adverse effect. Objectives: This study explores changes in BA and identity ' the so called 'lived body'- in people with MS after a unique hiking expedition through the Jordan desert in the spring of 2014. Methods and design: A focus group was organized afterwards with all nine participants. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Three main themes and six subthemes could be identified. The first main theme 'Peers and society' focuses on group dynamics and social stigma. The second theme 'the lived body' discusses bodily experiences and self-identity. In the third and last theme, therapeutic effects of the journey and their translation into daily life are explored. Conclusion: Participating in this unique hiking project had a powerful effect on body awareness and the lived body of the participants with MS. Experiencing life outdoors brought them back to basics, changed their bodily attunement and empowered them in self-belief and social resilience. It was described as an awakening in dealing with MS.