Abstract
Purpose
This study examined participant characteristics, particularly disease duration, in theory-based physical activity behavior change trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) and summarized theoretical frameworks and changes in physical activity outcomes.
Materials and methods
PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus were searched to identify potential trials. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts, and two reviewers then independently screened full-text articles based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer.
Results
Among 33 trials reviewed, only one trial reported a mean disease duration of less than five years (i.e., 4.5 years) for the sample. The remaining trials included samples with a mean disease duration of 6.7 years or longer. The most common theories used were Social Cognitive Theory, Trans-theoretical Model, and Motivational Interviewing. The effects on physical activity were heterogeneous; device-measured outcomes increased in 41.4% of studies, self-reported outcomes improved in 72.4%. Adherence (≥80%) was reported in 34.5% of studies.
Conclusions
There is little focus on persons with MS in the early disease course in physical activity behavior change interventions. Future research should include comprehensive theoretical approaches for more homogeneous effects across outcome measures when targeting those in the early stage and all MS populations.
Theory-based physical activity behavior change interventions have not included persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the early disease course (<5 years since diagnosis).
Disease duration has not been a criterion used to include or exclude participants in the reviewed theory-based behavior change interventions for physical activity in people with MS.
The theory-based behavior change interventions in this review positively affected short-term physical activity levels in people with MS.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Correction Statement
This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
Acknowledgments
The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest.