Physical activity and exercise priorities in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis: A delphi study

Abstract

Exercise and physical activity have been found to be beneficial in managing disabilities caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the known benefits, many people with MS (pwMS) are inactive. This study aimed to identify the prioritised exercise and physical activity practices of pwMS living the community and the reasons they engaged in these activities. Methods: A four Round Delphi questionnaire scoped and determined consensus of priorities for the top 10 exercise and physical activities and the reasons why pwMS (n=101) engaged in these activities. Data were analysed using content analysis, descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Results: The top 10 exercise and physical activity practices and the top 10 reasons why pwMS (n=70) engaged in these activities were identified and prioritised. Consensus was achieved for the exercise and physical activities (W=0.744, p<0.0001) and for the reasons they engaged in exercise and physical activity (W=0.723,p<0.0001). Conclusion: The exercise and physical activity practices and the reasons pwMS engaged in exercise and physical activity were diverse. These self-selected activities and reasons highlighted that pwMS might conceptualise exercise and physical activity in ways that may not be fully appreciated or understood by health professionals. Considerations of the views of pwMS may be essential if the goal of increasing physical activity in this population is to be achieved.