Impact of marriage on physical activity behavior in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose

Adopting and continuing physical activity (PA) is critical for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). The role that spouses or partners play in the adoption and continuation of PA in women with MS has yet to be explored.

Methods

Nine women with MS and their respective spouses volunteered for in-depth, semi-structured interviews that lasted approximately an hour. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Spouse interview data were used to contextualize and provide a richer understanding of themes from women with MS.

Results

Three themes were constructed from analysis of the interview data with women with MS: support, motivation to perform PA, and PA prior to MS. Support was most discussed and took the form joining in PA, supporting PA accomplishments or information sharing, assisting with PA, and encouraging separate PA. Motivation to perform PA and prior PA also were impacted by the women’s spouses and their behaviors.

Conclusions

This study points to the importance of support and perception of support by spouses for women with MS. Support was highly valued regardless of the form that it took. Women with MS could benefit from understanding and encouraging the various supporting roles spouses play in the decisions women with MS make to be physically active.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Women with MS and their spouses consider physical activity to be beneficial.

• Women with MS value the support their spouses provide to encourage them to be physically active.

• Women with MS can perceive support from their spouses in varying ways, including support in initiating physical activity, supporting physical activity accomplishments or information sharing, assisting with physical activity, and encouraging separate physical activity.

• Physical activity programming for this population should consider ways to incorporate spousal support.

Keywords:

• Multiple sclerosis
• women
• physical activity
• marriage
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Deborah Backus and Louise Palmer for assistance in recruitment from the Shepherd Center. The authors would also like to acknowledge the assistance and contribution of Dr. Chalandra Bryant (University of Minnesota).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).