Barriers and solutions to participation in exercise for moderately disabled people with multiple sclerosis not currently exercising: a consensus development study using nominal group technique

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological condition. The aim of this study was to explore consensus on the barriers and solutions to exercise for people with MS living in Scotland.

Method: Thirty-five people with MS, not regularly exercising, were recruited and took part in five Nominal Group Technique groups throughout Scotland. Background information was collected on participants prior to each group. Participants individually and silently listed their barriers and solutions to participating in exercise. Group discussion then clarified, amended and merged ideas. Participants then ranked ideas by choosing five barriers and solutions to exercise participation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and by carrying out a thematic grouping.

Results: Consensus was that fatigue was a barrier to exercise participation . Other identified barriers were a lack of support and advice, the impairments arising from the condition and time. No single item achieved consensus for solutions but exercising with others, receiving support, having a positive attitude, finding time and minimizing environmental barriers were all suggested as solutions to assist in exercise participation.

Conclusions: People with MS should be provided with information on how to manage their fatigue alongside any exercise prescription. Information and support should be given on how to personalize exercise to suit individual needs and abilities to overcome some of the barriers suggested within this study.

Implications for rehabilitation

• More exercise opportunities are required.

• Exercise should be personalized to address the individual needs of the person with MS.

• Any identified barriers to exercise should be addressed.

Keywords:

• Fatigue
• support
• self-management
• impairments
• environment
• time

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the MS Society, Scotland for supporting the project by publicizing it via their network. Thanks also go to the people with MS who kindly gave up their time to come along to the group sessions, to Caroline Finlay for her help with data collection and to Dr Larissa Kempenaar.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.