Physical activity and exercise priorities in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis: a Delphi study

Abstract

Aims: Exercise and physical activity have been found to be beneficial in managing disabilities caused by multiple sclerosis. Despite the known benefits, many people with multiple sclerosis are inactive. This study aimed to identify the prioritised exercise and physical activity practices of people with multiple sclerosis living in the community and the reasons why they are engaged in these activities. Methods: A four Round Delphi questionnaire scoped and determined consensus of priorities for the top 10 exercise and physical activities and the reasons why people with multiple sclerosis (n ¼ 101) are engaged in these activities. Data were analysed using content analysis, descriptive statistics, and nonparametric tests. Results: The top 10 exercise and physical activity practices and the top 10 reasons why people with multiple sclerosis (n ¼ 70) engaged in these activities were identified and prioritised. Consensus was achieved for the exercise and physical activities (W ¼ 0.744, p < .0001) and for the reasons they engaged in exercise and physical activity (W ¼ 0.723, p < .0001). Conclusion:The exercise and physical activity practices and the reasons people with multiple sclerosis engaged in exercise and physical activity were diverse. These self-selected activities and reasons highlighted that people with multiple sclerosis might conceptualise exercise and physical activity in ways that may not be fully appreciated or understood by health professionals. Considerations of the views of people with multiple sclerosis may be essential if the goal of increasing physical activity in this population is to be achieved. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealth professionals should work collaboratively with people with multiple sclerosis to understand how they prioritise activities, the underlying reasons for their prioritisations and embed these into rehabilitation programmes. Health professionals should utilise activities prioritised by people with multiple sclerosis in the community as a way to support, promote, and sustain exercise and physical activity in this population. Rehabilitation interventions should include both the activities people with multiple sclerosis prioritise and the reasons why they engage in exercise and physical activity as another option for increasing physical activity levels and reducing sedentary behaviours. ARTICLE HISTORY

Effects of Exercise on the Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Process of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis- A Narrative Review

“…As mentioned above, water exercises have an evolutionary background with a high potential in patients with MS. (38) These types of exercises are appropriate for patients, because in the water, body temperature is lower than similar exercise in non-water environment. As a result, patients with MS are less likely to stop exercise, because they are afraid of symptoms of increased body temperature.…”

The meaning of exercise and physical activity in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis

“…A topic guide was developed from related literature including the results of the previously conducted Delphi Study [17]. The Delphi study utilised a four round Delphi questionnaire process which scoped and determined consensus of priorities for the top 10 exercise and physical activity practices and the reasons people with MS engaged in exercise and physical activity [17]. Details of the Delphi Method has been described elsewhere [17].…”

“…The Delphi study utilised a four round Delphi questionnaire process which scoped and determined consensus of priorities for the top 10 exercise and physical activity practices and the reasons people with MS engaged in exercise and physical activity [17]. Details of the Delphi Method has been described elsewhere [17]. Cue cards identifying the prioritised categories from the Delphi study were used as a tool to facilitate the discussion.…”

“…Potential participants were people with MS (n ¼ 70) living in the community who completed a prior Delphi study [17]. Interested participants were asked to return the signed consent form acknowledging their willingness to participate in the study (n ¼ 37).…”

“…A recent study identified the top 10 prioritised exercise and physical activity practices for community dwelling people with MS and reasons for engagement in exercise and physical activity. The findings suggest a complex interplay of prioritisation and reasoning that moved beyond physical symptoms and structured programs that warranted further enquiry [17]. Therefore, this study aims to explore the everyday meanings of exercise and physical activity in community dwelling people with MS.…”