title: Symptoms, self-efficacy, and physical activity among individuals with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Using social-cognitive theory, we examined the associations among symptoms, self-efficacy, and physical activity in 196 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants completed symptoms, self-efficacy, and physical activity measures and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. There was a moderate inverse correlation between symptoms and physical activity (varphi = -.42). Subsequent analyses indicated that symptoms had direct negative relationships with self-efficacy (gamma = -.32) and physical activity (gamma = -.24), and self-efficacy had a direct positive relationship with physical activity (beta = .57). This study provides initial support for symptoms as a correlate of physical activity in individuals with MS. Monitoring symptoms during a physical activity program and altering the exercise prescription during symptom exacerbation might be a method for increasing exercise adherence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 350 Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Motl
authors.forename: Erin M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Snook
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McAuley
authors.forename: Rachael C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Gliottoni
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D007196:Indiana; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D055656:Prescriptions; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires