A qualitative exploration of physiotherapists’ perceptions about exercise and physical activity: reflections on the results from a Delphi Study

Figures & data

Table 1. Showing the exercise and physical activity priorities and the reasons people with MS engage in exercise and physical activity.

	The prioritised exercise and physical activity practices of people with MS	The prioritised reasons why people with MS engage in exercise and physical activity
1	Self-care activities (e.g., shaving, shower, washing and dressing, cleaning teeth)	To improve MS symptoms (e.g., to improve or maintain strength, reduce pain and reduce spasms)
2	Everyday life activities (e.g., transferring, standing, pushing wheelchair or walking, climbing stairs)	Out of necessity (e.g., part of daily activities, activities that must be done)
3	Domestic activities (e.g., cooking, shopping, housework, laundry)	To keep active (e.g., to keep mind and body active, to maintain function and keep transferring)
4	Transportation (e.g., using public (bus/taxi) or personal transportation)	For mobility (e.g., to keep walking)
5	Leisure activities (e.g., gardening, dancing, sport, visiting friends)	Living with MS now and in the future (e.g., fear of deterioration, to combat MS)
6	Activities due to family roles (e.g., spending time with family, looking after children/grandchildren)	For self-reliance (e.g., to maintain ones’ independence and choice)
7	Stretches (e.g., activities done to stretch the upper and lower limbs)	Emotional wellbeing (e.g., pleasure, improve mood, reduce stress)
8	Physiotherapy (e.g., activities done with or by a physiotherapist)	For self-esteem (e.g., to manage weight, sense of achievement, self-worth)
9	Activities without weights (e.g., upper and lower limb exercises, abdominal, bed and chair exercises)	Flexibility (e.g., to maintain or improve flexibility)
10	Activities with technology (e.g., computer, move it for MS DVD, phone,Wii)	For social reasons (e.g., social, feel connected, be part of community)

Table 2. Demographic profile of study participants.

Participant	FG	Gender	Age	Band	Location
1	FG1	Female	29	Band 6	Community-NHS
2	FG1	Female	35	Band 7	Community –NHS
3	FG1	Female	37	Band 7	Community- NHS
4	FG1	Female	38	Band 7	Community –NHS
5	FG1	Female	33	Band 6	Community –NHS
6	FG2	Female	27	Band 6	Community- NHS
7	FG2	Female	50	Band 6	Community- NHS
8	FG2	Female	26	Band 6	Community- NHS
9	FG2	Female	48	Band 6	Community-NHS
10	FG3	Female	34	Band 6	MS Therapy Centre
11	FG3	Female	44	*Band 5	MS Therapy Centre
12	FG3	Female	40+	Mx	MS Therapy Centre
13	FG3	Male	30	Band 6	MS Therapy Centre
14	FG3	Male	57	Mx	MS Therapy Centre

FG1: Focus Group 1; FG2: Focus Group 2; FG3: Focus Group 3; Mx: Manager; NHS: National Health Service.

*Met criteria based on experience- participants had at least 2 years experience working with people with MS in the community.