Barriers and facilitators to participation in physical activity among a Multiple Sclerosis population

Background: Current evidence states that people with MS participate in significantly less exercise than non-diseased populations (Motl et al 2005). Recent research has identified numerous factors that may influence physical activity levels among people with MS. It is yet to be determined whether these differ for those who perform different levels of exercise and those who have various mobility levels. Objectives: Primary: To investigate the greatest barriers and facilitators to exercise in an MS population. Secondary: To investigate how barriers and facilitators differ for those with various ambulatory statuses. To investigate whether less active individuals perceive alternative barriers and facilitators to people who meet exercise guidelines. Methods: An internet questionnaire was advertised on the MS Ireland website and in the MS Ireland e-newsletter. Regional branch members were also informed of this research. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and presented in term of frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results: Exercise guidelines were not met by 22 participants. Barriers were mainly due to MS, particularly fatigue (80.9%), physical ability (65.2%) and balance (63.8%). Transport issues were uncommon (<11%). Gym costs were the main environmental barrier (60%) and lack of motivation was the main psychological barrier (66%). Key facilitators were enjoyable exercise (58.1%), reduction in MS symptoms (55.8%) and better mobility (41.9%). Conclusion: Many people with MS fail to perform current exercise guidelines. Therefore, barriers and facilitators need to be considered when designing exercise programmes for people with MS to increase physical activity levels.