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Published on: January 29, 2016
Outcome expectations and physical activity in persons with longstanding multiple sclerosis
Janet D Morrison1, Alexa K Stuifbergen
1Questions or comments about this article may be directed to Janet D. Morrison, MSN, at jmorrison@mail.nur.utexas.edu. She is a Doctoral Student/Research Assistant, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Alexa K. Stuifbergen, PhD, is Dean, Laura Lee Blanton Chair in Nursing, James R. Dougherty, Jr. Centennial Professor in Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
Physical and social expectations for exercise benefit people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Positive outlooks on physical activity correlate with engagement, offering motivation for increased physical activity in those with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit lower physical activity levels compared to the general population.
- Increased physical activity in MS is linked to significant improvements in fatigue, mobility, and overall quality of life.
- Identifying modifiable determinants of physical activity is crucial for clinical practice and research in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate multidimensional outcome expectations (physical, social, self-evaluative) for physical activity in individuals with long-standing MS.
- To explore the relationship between MS functional limitations and physical activity engagement and capability.
- To determine the predictive value of outcome expectations on physical activity engagement and capability in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 369 participants with MS diagnosed for over 15 years.
- Measures included multidimensional outcome expectations for exercise, MS functional limitations, physical activity engagement, and physical activity capability.
- Statistical analyses examined predictors of physical activity engagement and capability.
Main Results:
- MS functional limitation emerged as the most significant predictor for both physical activity engagement and capability.
- Physical and social outcome expectations explained 12% of the variance in physical activity engagement.
- No significant contribution of outcome expectancy dimensions was found for physical activity capability.
Conclusions:
- Positive physical and social outcome expectations are associated with greater engagement in physical activity among individuals with long-standing MS.
- These expectations may serve as motivational factors for increasing physical activity behavior.
- While causation cannot be inferred, findings highlight the importance of addressing outcome expectations in promoting physical activity in MS.
