Use of the Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire in multiple sclerosis research: a comprehensive narrative review

Abstract

Purpose: The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire has been a commonly applied measure of physical activity in research among persons with multiple sclerosis over the past decade. This paper provides a comprehensive description of its application and inclusion in research on physical activity in multiple sclerosis.

Method: This comprehensive, narrative review included papers that were published between 1985 and 2017, written in English, involved participants with multiple sclerosis as a primary population, measured physical activity, and cited one of the two original Godin papers.

Results and Conclusion: There is a broad scope of research that has included the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire in persons with multiple sclerosis. Overall, 8 papers evaluated its psychometric properties, 21 evaluated patterns of physical activity, 24 evaluated correlates or determinants of physical activity, 28 evaluated outcomes or consequences of physical activity, and 15 evaluated physical activity interventions. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire is a valid self-report measure of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis, and further is an appropriate, simple, and effective tool for describing patterns of physical activity, examining correlates and outcomes of physical activity, and provides a sensitive outcome for measuring change in physical activity after an intervention.

Implications for rehabilitation

• There is increasing interest in physical activity and its benefits in multiple sclerosis.

• The study of physical activity requires appropriate and standardized measures.

• The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire is a common self-report measure of physical activity for persons with multiple sclerosis.

• Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores are reliable measures of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

• The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire further is an appropriate, simple, and effective tool for describing patterns of physical activity, examining correlates and outcomes of physical activity participation, and is an advantageous primary outcome for measuring change in physical activity in response to an intervention.

Keywords:

• Neurological disease
• multiple sclerosis
• physical activity
• measurement
• Godin–Shepard leisure time exercise questionnaire
• Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire

Acknowledgements

This work was not supported by external grants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by authors.