title: Physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality of life (QOL) is compromised among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Self-efficacy and physical activity have been positively associated with QOL in persons with MS, and based on a social cognitive perspective, the relationship between physical activity and QOL might be indirect and accounted for by self-efficacy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We tested the hypothesis that physical activity would be indirectly associated with QOL through a pathway that included self-efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 133 individuals with a definite diagnosis of MS who completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Path analysis indicated that those with MS who were more physically active had greater self-efficacy for function and control, and self-efficacy for function and control were associated with greater physical and psychological components of QOL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings support physical activity as a possible modifiable behavior for mitigating reductions of QOL by improving self-efficacy in individuals with MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. robmotl@uiuc.edu
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Motl
authors.forename: Erin M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Snook
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index