The Meaning of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sedentary Behavior in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Objectives: This study examined the understandings of physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behavior in persons with MS in an effort to establish a consensus of the distinct differences between the three behaviors and to better inform communication about behavior change between persons with MS and both healthcare providers and researchers.
Methods: A basic qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was adopted. Fifty-three persons with MS took part in semi-structured interviews regarding their understanding of physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behaviors. Coding and thematic analysis was performed by three researchers.
Results: We observed that participants indicated a general understanding of physical activity, exercise and sedentary behavior. However, there was some evidence of definitional ambiguity that was observed among physical activity, exercise and even sedentary behavior.
Conclusions: The results highlight a need for establishing consistency of disseminated strategies and guidelines to better inform communication about behavior change in persons with MS and both healthcare providers and researchers.