Activity matters: a web-based resource to enable people with multiple sclerosis to become more active

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) offers significant benefits for multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like fatigue and mobility.
• Despite known benefits, individuals with MS often remain inactive, highlighting a need for effective interventions.
• Theory-grounded interventions are crucial for changing PA behavior in the MS population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development process of "Activity Matters," a novel web-based intervention designed to promote PA in people with MS.
• To outline the theoretical frameworks guiding the intervention's creation, focusing on behavior change principles.

Main Methods:

• The development followed the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW).
• Seven data sources were integrated and mapped onto the MRC and BCW frameworks.
• Key behavioral constructs, including knowledge, skills, social influences, and beliefs, were identified as targets for the intervention.

Main Results:

• "Activity Matters" is the first MS PA intervention developed using the combined BCW and MRC frameworks.
• The intervention is theoretically grounded, incorporating multiple psychological and environmental factors influencing behavior.
• The development process established a robust foundation for the intervention's subsequent evaluation.

Conclusions:

• "Activity Matters" represents a theoretically informed approach to increasing PA in individuals with MS.
• The intervention development process provides a model for creating complex health behavior interventions.
• Future research will focus on testing the usability, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of "Activity Matters" in the target population.