Multiple sclerosis: impact of physical activity on psychosocial constructs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact of physical activity (PA) interventions and experience with PA on psychosocial constructs.


METHODS
PA, self-efficacy, self-identity, social support, and expected PA frequency were measured pre and post intervention in 39 persons with multiple sclerosis.


RESULTS
The MANOVA analysis indicated that self-efficacy and expectation decreased, whereas self-identity and PA improved (P<0.05). Regressions analyses indicated pretest self-identity (beta(2)=0.44) and social support (beta(2)=0.34) were associated with PA. Posttest self-efficacy (beta(2)=0.38) and social support (beta(2)=0.31) were associated with PA (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The interventions and experience with PA caused changes in psychosocial constructs, which subsequently affected the correlation of these constructs with PA.
Plow
Matthew A
MA
Department of Community Health, Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Brown University, 2 Stimson Avenue, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Matthew_Plow@brown.edu
Mathiowetz
Virgil
V
Resnik
Linda
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011584:Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult