Determinants of physical activity in women with multiple sclerosis based on theory of planned behavior

In recent decades, the scientific evidence has demonstrated that regular physical activity (PA) provides abundant physiological and psychological benefits in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, most persons with MS are physically inactive. This study examined determinants of PA based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) among women with MS.

Participants (178)-completed measures included Godin Leisure-Time Exercise and TPB questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression were analyzed using IBM SPSS.

Most participants were homemaker and the mean age was 34.2 years. The mean of PA was 11.6 ± 7.9 and only 10% of participants had sufficient amount of PA. The result of hierarchical linear regression indicated that attitude (β = 0.27; P < 0.05), subjective norm (β = 0.18; P < 0.05), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.44; P < 0.05) explained 58% variance in exercise intention. Intention (β = 0.20; P < 0.05) and other variables explained 18% variance in PA.

Our findings indicate that constructs of TPB could be used in behavioral interventions by health-care providers for increasing PA among women with MS.