Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and mild to moderate disability gain positive health benefits, including increased cardiovascular fitness and improved quality of life with regular aerobic exercise. Little evidence is available to suggest these benefits are applicable to individuals with MS and severe disability. The purpose of this case report was to determine safe application of arm cranking and examine possible effects of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular endurance and perceived self-efficacy in a wheelchair bound individual with MS. The participant undertook arm cranking three times a week for three weeks. Cardiovascular endurance was measured by time spent cranking until voluntary fatigue. Self-efficacy was measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Self Efficacy Scale (MSSE). Time spent arm cranking increased over the first three weeks when arm cranking was stopped due to reported right shoulder pain. The participant's MSSE score and therefore perceived self-efficacy had deteriorated at the end of the trial. Arm cranking may be used safely, with careful monitoring and shoulder screening, in a severely disabled adult with MS and may lead to increased cardiovascular endurance. Self-efficacy scales may require further validation in this population.
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