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Adherence to behavioural interventions in multiple sclerosis: Follow-up meeting report (AD@MS-2)
Christoph Heesen1, Jared Bruce2, Robert Gearing3
1Institute of Neuroimmunology and Clinical MS Research (inims) and Department of Neurology, UMC Hamburg Eppendorf, Germany.
Abstract:
After an initial meeting in 2013 that reviewed adherence to disease modifying therapy, the AD@MS group conducted a follow-up meeting in 2014 that examined adherence to behavioural interventions in MS (e.g. physical activity, diet, psychosocial interventions). Very few studies have studied adherence to behavioural interventions in MS. Outcomes beyond six months are lacking, as well as implementation work in the community. Psychological interventions need to overcome stigma and other barriers to facilitate initiation and maintenance of behaviour change. A focus group concentrated on physical activity and exercise as one major behavioural intervention domain in MS. The discussion revealed that patients are confronted with multiple challenges when attempting to regularly engage in physical activity. Highlighted needs for future research included an improved understanding of patients' and health experts' knowledge and attitudes towards physical activity as well as a need for longitudinal research that investigates exercise persistence.
Insights
Adherence to behavioral interventions like physical activity is crucial for multiple sclerosis (MS) management. Future research should explore patient challenges and long-term exercise persistence in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Adherence to disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been previously reviewed.
- Few studies have investigated adherence to behavioral interventions (physical activity, diet, psychosocial) in MS.
- Longitudinal data and community-based implementation research on behavioral interventions for MS are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine adherence to behavioral interventions in MS.
- To identify challenges patients face in maintaining physical activity.
- To highlight needs for future research on behavioral interventions in MS.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up meeting of the AD@MS group in 2014 focused on adherence to behavioral interventions.
- A focus group specifically discussed physical activity and exercise in MS management.
- Qualitative insights were gathered regarding patient experiences and challenges.
Main Results:
- Patients encounter numerous obstacles in consistently engaging in physical activity.
- Psychological interventions for MS require addressing stigma and other barriers to behavior change.
- There is a significant gap in understanding patient and expert attitudes toward physical activity in MS.
Conclusions:
- Improved understanding of patient and health expert knowledge/attitudes is needed.
- Longitudinal research is essential to investigate exercise persistence in MS.
- Addressing barriers is critical for initiating and maintaining behavioral changes in MS.
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