Identifying Preferences for Exercise and Sport in Australians With Mild Multiple Sclerosis: Looking Beyond Clinical Characteristics when Implementing Exercise Interventions.

Abstract

Objective: Exercise is a salient component in delaying disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study considers personal preferences regarding exercise program prescription and the resources needed to facilitate exercise.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Community online, Australia.

Participants: Adults with MS.

Independent variables: Participants completed online questionnaires on current exercise and sport, and preferences toward exercise prescription variables, facilitative resource needs, and delivery method.

Main outcomes: We established preference responses for the entire sample, and separately, we used logistic regression and analysis of variance to compare preferences between participants stratified according to (1) geographical rurality (ie, metro vs rural and remote) and (2) current exercise engagement (ie, active, moderately active, and insufficiently active).

Results: Fifty people with a diagnosis of MS completed the survey. Participants had mild disability; most were metro-dwelling (74%) and physically active (58%). Preferences included a program of at least 6 months (70%), where exercise sessions are performed 5 d/wk (38%) at a moderate intensity (50%). Half (50%) of responders wanted to participate in sports for exercise. There was a significant difference in the preference toward higher-intensity exercise in active persons compared with inactive persons. Facilitative resources selected included a behavioral exercise coach (80%) who provides MS-specific information (46%) and behavioral change strategies (41%).

Conclusions: Persons with mild MS are interested in participating in various exercises and sports. Encouraging participation will have long-term benefits. We recommend that HCPs and researchers consider individual social factors, in addition to patient symptoms and disability, when designing exercise programs for an Australian MS population.