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Published on: January 29, 2016
How does fatigue influence community-based exercise participation in people with multiple sclerosis?
Catherine Smith1, Karin Olson, Leigh Anne Hale
1Centre for Physiotherapy Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. cath.smith@otago.ac.nz
Purpose:
Regular exercise is considered important for long-term health outcomes and fatigue management in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, little is known about the experiences of individuals with MS-related fatigue, who participate in community-based exercise activities. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of people with MS-related fatigue, who engaged in community-based exercise activities in order to discover how fatigue influenced their exercise participation.
Method:
In this study, we used qualitative methodology based on the interpretive description approach to collect and analyse data. Individuals with MS, who experienced fatigue and regularly participated in community-based exercise activities, were interviewed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach with multi-step verification strategies.
Results:
We found that perceived control over MS-related fatigue influenced exercise choices in our participants. Furthermore, perceived control over fatigue was influenced by seven factors: wellness philosophy, a related goal, belief that control was possible, feeling safe and supported, ability to manage limits, being satisfied with trade-offs and positive definition of self.
Conclusion:
Identification of factors influencing perceived control over fatigue will assist health care providers when facilitating community exercise choices for people with MS.
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