Effects of Sailing and Cooing in the Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Individuals

In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of head and neck cooling on symptoms and psychological states in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during a 7-day Oceans of Hope Challenge sailing trip around the Greek islands of the Argosaronic Gulf in May 2023. Forty-five individuals with relapsing-remitting MS will participate in the sailing trip. Participants will be allocated to either a Cooling group (n=25), using a cooling cap and neck towel for at least two hours per day, or a Control group (n=20) without cooling interventions. Before and after the trip, participants will complete the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Scale (FAMS), the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ), and the abbreviated 40-item Profile of Mood States (POMS-40). These assessments will be used to evaluate quality of life, environmental symptoms, and mood states. The study is designed to examine whether daily use of head and neck cooling during a prolonged outdoor activity influences MS-related symptoms, quality of life, and psychological well-being.