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

Purpose: This study explored the meanings community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis ascribe to exercise and physical activity.Method: Using a qualitative approach, 16 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis and emerging themes developed.Results: Five themes were identified: "A Type of Movement", "The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity", "It Changes", "Sense of Loss" and "Coping with Multiple Sclerosis". The findings demonstrated that people with multiple sclerosis held a multidimensional and complex view about exercise and physical activity.Conclusion: The meanings people with multiple sclerosis ascribe to exercise and physical activity extended beyond movement, reflecting how they lived with a variable neurological condition. Personal and contextual factors were dominant influences.Implications for RehabilitationHealth professionals should consider the impact personal and contextual factors have on influencing decisions around exercise and physical activity in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis.Understanding the multidimensional and complex views people with multiple sclerosis ascribe to exercise and physical activity might help health professionals in their discussions around exercise and physical activity and create opportunities to increase physical activity levels in people with multiple sclerosis.Health professionals should recognise that people with multiple sclerosis not only engage in exercise and physical activity to manage MS symptoms, but also as a way to connect with others and cope with the variability of the condition.