Do physical activity and social cognitive theory variable scores differ across symptom cluster severity groups in...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by symptom clusters, which can vary in severity from mild to severe.
• Physical activity (PA) is a potential strategy for managing these co-occurring symptoms in individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) variables among individuals with MS based on their symptom cluster severity.
• To examine how SCT variables are associated with PA and whether these associations are moderated by symptom cluster severity.

Main Methods:

• A secondary analysis was performed on data from 205 participants with MS.
• Trend analyses assessed changes in PA and SCT variables (social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goal setting, planning, impediments) with increasing symptom cluster severity.
• Correlations examined the relationship between PA and SCT variables within each symptom cluster severity group.

Main Results:

• Self-reported PA significantly decreased as symptom cluster severity increased.
• Significant differences were found across symptom cluster severity groups for social support, exercise self-efficacy, barrier self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and impediments.
• The association between SCT variables and PA varied across severity groups, with more associations found in the severe group.

Conclusions:

• Symptom cluster severity in MS is associated with varying levels of physical activity and social cognitive factors.
• Social cognitive theory-based interventions may be beneficial for promoting physical activity and managing symptom clusters in individuals with MS.
• Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of SCT-based behavior change techniques for improving PA and symptom clusters in MS.