Spousal support underlying self-determined physical activity in adults with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity engagement is crucial for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) due to its health benefits.
• Identifying motivational factors is key to promoting sustained physical activity in this population.
• Spousal behaviors may play a significant role in facilitating physical activity in adults with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between physical activity levels in adults with MS and their partners' behaviors.
• To examine how spousal support, based on self-determination theory, influences physical activity in adults with MS.

Main Methods:

• 112 adults with MS completed validated questionnaires assessing disease impact, exercise self-efficacy, spousal support for physical activity, and leisure-time exercise.
• Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and bivariate correlations were calculated.
• Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive power of spousal behaviors on physical activity.

Main Results:

• Reliability analyses confirmed the high consistency of all measured scales.
• Significant associations were found between physical activity and most variables, excluding expectations, social control, and self-efficacy.
• Spousal behaviors supporting relatedness, competence, and autonomy were significant predictors of physical activity (R=0.49, R²=0.24), with spousal support accounting for 14.8% of the variance.

Conclusions:

• Spousal support is a critical factor in motivating intrinsic physical activity for adults with MS.
• Interventions targeting couples, focusing on enhancing relationship, competence, and autonomy, are recommended.
• Enhancing self-determination through partner-oriented approaches can improve physical activity engagement and quality of life for individuals with MS.