What do people with MS want from a web-based resource to encourage increased physical activity behaviour?

abstract

Purpose: To investigate what people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) want from a web-based resource that encourages physical activity (PA). Methods: Three focus groups (n = 22) and 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The semi-structured interviews were conducted using Skype (audio only) or telephone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and the thematic analysis approach described by Braun and Clarke was performed. Results: The themes from the data were: (1) Content – important information to include, (2) Presentation – varying format, different abilities, (3) Interactivity – build a sense of community and (4) Reach the Audience – let people know. Participants believed the web resource to be a good idea and suggested that the content of resource should include a focus on the knowledge of the benefits of being physically active. Illustrating the types of exercise in which PwMS could participate in was also discussed. Ensuring information was stratified by mobility level and that the resource was interactive, portraying a ‘Sense of Community’ and use of success stories, was also suggested by participants. Conclusions: The data suggest that PwMS want a variety of information from a variety of sources and that this information is to be both stratified and interactive. These results will be used to inform the development of the ‘Activity Matters’ website which will aim to enable PwMS to become more physically active.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) want information on the benefits of being physically active in order to change physical inactivity behaviours.

• Offering PwMS a range of exercise options that can be stratified by mobility and physical activity levels may further enable them to become more physically active.

• Peer support and creating a sense of community are important components when aiming to motivate PwMS to become more physically active.

Keywords:

• Behavioural medicine
• Exercise
• Internet
• multiple sclerosis
• patient participation
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

We thank Aidan Larkin from MS Ireland and Elaine Ross, Marcin Uszynski and Laura Comber from the MS Research Team at UL for their useful feedback on earlier drafts of the paper.

Declarations of interest

Authors do not have conflicts of interest to declare. This study is funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society Ireland through the Ireland Fund.