Article

OBJECTIVE: To undertake a qualitative investigation of exercise perceptions and
experiences in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) before, during, and after
participation in a personally tailored program designed to promote long-term
maintenance of self-directed exercise. DESIGN: Focus groups and semistructured
telephone interviews.
SETTING: University exercise science department close to
the recruiting hospital. PARTICIPANTS: PwMS (N=33; mean age +/- SD, 47.6+/-7.9y).
INTERVENTIONS: Participants were recruited after participation in a randomized
controlled exercise trial; all had been allocated to a 12-week exercise program
comprising supervised and self-directed exercise sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Exercise perceptions and experiences before, during, and after participation in
the program. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the transition
to inactivity; (2) lack of knowledge and confidence; (3) positive exercise
experiences; and (4) perspectives on exercise adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of
confidence and exercise knowledge, coupled with negative perceptions about
physical capabilities after an MS diagnosis, are clear barriers to exercise
participation in PwMS. These issues are not being adequately addressed as part of
the health care pathway or in community settings. Perceptions of improved
posture, ability to overcome everyday difficulties, acute mood enhancements
during and after exercise, and increased opportunities for social interaction
were among the reported benefits of exercise participation. Despite the provision
of a personally tailored exercise plan and use of cognitive behavioral
strategies, self-directed exercise continued to present challenges to PwMS, and
the importance of seeking cost-effective ways to maintain motivational support
was implicit in participant responses.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS