Brenda Jeng1, Katie L J Cederberg2, Trinh L Huynh3, Petra Silic3, Catherine D Jones3, Corey D Feasel3, E Morghen Sikes4, Jessica F Baird3, Stephanie L Silveira5, Jeffer E Sasaki6, Robert W Motl3. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Health Professions 360, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA. Electronic address: bjeng@uab.edu. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305 USA. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Health Professions 360, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA. 4. Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, 44160 Scholar Plaza Suite 100, Leesburg, VA 20176 USA. 5. Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310769, Denton, TX 76203 USA. 6. Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Av. Tutunas, 490. Sala 211, Bairro Tutunas, 38061-500 Uberaba, MG, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is interest in the application of behavioral interventions based on theory for increasing physical activity among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, researchers have applied theory such as Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) for identifying correlates of physical activity that can then inform the design and delivery of behavioral interventions. Such research often has been conducted in heterogeneous samples of persons with MS without a focus on those with a specific symptom, such as fatigue, that may be targeted by physical activity behavioral interventions. To that end, this study examined SCT variables (i.e., self-efficacy, barriers, outcome expectations, goal-setting, planning, social support, and functional limitations) as correlates of physical activity in persons with MS who self-reported elevated fatigue. METHODS: Persons with MS (N=210; aged 49.6[13.2] years) who ambulated with or without assistance participated in the study. Participants completed self-report measures of fatigue, physical activity, and SCT variables and wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on a belt around the waist for 7 days. The accelerometer data were processed and delineated into time spent in light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on MS-specific cut-points. We generated groups of fatigued (n=134) and non-fatigued (n=76) persons with MS based on the cut-off score of 4 for the Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: There were differences in physical activity and SCT variables between fatigued and non-fatigued persons with MS. Among those with fatigue, functional limitations (ρ=0.52), self-efficacy (ρ=0.31), and goal-setting (ρ=0.25) were associated with device-measured MVPA, and all SCT variables except outcome expectations were associated with self-reported physical activity. The regression analyses indicated self-efficacy, functional limitations, and goal-setting as significant correlates of MVPA in those with fatigue. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy, goal-setting, and social support may be important targets of SCT-based behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with MS who have fatigue.
BACKGROUND: There is interest in the application of behavioral interventions based on theory for increasing physical activity among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, researchers have applied theory such as Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) for identifying correlates of physical activity that can then inform the design and delivery of behavioral interventions. Such research often has been conducted in heterogeneous samples of persons with MS without a focus on those with a specific symptom, such as fatigue, that may be targeted by physical activity behavioral interventions. To that end, this study examined SCT variables (i.e., self-efficacy, barriers, outcome expectations, goal-setting, planning, social support, and functional limitations) as correlates of physical activity in persons with MS who self-reported elevated fatigue. METHODS: Persons with MS (N=210; aged 49.6[13.2] years) who ambulated with or without assistance participated in the study. Participants completed self-report measures of fatigue, physical activity, and SCT variables and wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on a belt around the waist for 7 days. The accelerometer data were processed and delineated into time spent in light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on MS-specific cut-points. We generated groups of fatigued (n=134) and non-fatigued (n=76) persons with MS based on the cut-off score of 4 for the Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: There were differences in physical activity and SCT variables between fatigued and non-fatigued persons with MS. Among those with fatigue, functional limitations (ρ=0.52), self-efficacy (ρ=0.31), and goal-setting (ρ=0.25) were associated with device-measured MVPA, and all SCT variables except outcome expectations were associated with self-reported physical activity. The regression analyses indicated self-efficacy, functional limitations, and goal-setting as significant correlates of MVPA in those with fatigue. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy, goal-setting, and social support may be important targets of SCT-based behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with MS who have fatigue.
Authors: Edward McAuley; James F Konopack; Robert W Motl; Karl Rosengren; Katherine S Morris Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Whitney N Neal; Katie L Cederberg; Brenda Jeng; Jeffer E Sasaki; Robert W Motl Journal: Neurorehabil Neural Repair Date: 2020-04-28 Impact factor: 3.919