An Exploration Into the Motivation for Physical Activity in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis


Book Description

"Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects approximately 2.1 million people world-wide (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2005). Symptoms include limitations with both physical (coordination, muscle weakness, vision problems, etc.) and cognitive functioning and vary by individual. There is currently no cure for MS and treatment is based around symptom management (Coyle & Hamaad, 2006). One means for symptom management is physical activity (PA). PA has been shown to effectively aid symptom management by reducing the number, length, and duration of disease flare-ups (Motl, McAuley, & Snook, 2005), as well as increasing overall quality of life (Stuifbergen, Blozis, Harrison, & Becker, 2006). In spite of this evidence, the MS population is one of the most inactive segments of the population, even among patients with chronic diseases (Motl & Snook, 2008). Understanding what motivates this population to be physically active is the first step in developing an effective, sustainable, PA intervention for disease management. Using Path Analysis, this study examined potential predictors of motivation for PA in individuals with MS (n = 215) finding self-determined motivation, in conjunction with self-efficacy, as predictors of PA participation, and self-efficacy and PA participation as a predictors of quality of life. In the model, self-efficacy and identified regulation predicted PA participation, and PA participation predicted quality of life,?2(1) = .02, p = .867; RMSEA = .00; CFI = 1.0; SRMR = .002. Open-ended responses from participants supported the model, indicating that self-efficacy and identified regulation were predictors of PA, and PA was a predictor of increased overall quality of life. The findings and resulting model may be used to guide future interventions to promote PA participation in individuals with MS and consequently enhance long-term quality of life."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.







Multiple Sclerosis


Book Description

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.







Motivating People to Be Physically Active


Book Description

Motivating People to Be Physically Active, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to methods that are proven to help people reduce sedentary behavior and incorporate physical activity as a regular part of their everyday lives. Research, theories, and concepts of behavioral science are clearly translated into a practical handbook for health and fitness professionals who work in planning, developing, implementing, or evaluating physical activity programs. Updated with recent physical activity prevalence data and intervention studies, the text will help readers will understand the research on physical activity behavior and gain perspective on the importance of theory-based interventions for the promotion of a physically active lifestyle. Public health recommendations are presented with updated guidance from Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and new content emphasizes socioecological factors and mediators of behavior change, along with examples of inclusive, low-cost activities that can be performed in a variety of settings. Based on the five-stage model of motivational readiness for behavior change, the text will help readers learn to measure and assess patterns of physical activity and physical fitness, then apply appropriate interventions in individual, group, work site, and community settings. Relevant for healthy adults as well as special populations, including adults with chronic physical or psychological conditions, the book also incorporates the use of technology-supported interventions such as wearable fitness trackers. Five case studies of successful community and work site programs offer creative starting points for designing interventions and serve as practical examples for putting theory into practice with stage-specific strategies for motivating a variety of participants. Further assisting readers are reproducible questionnaires, worksheets, and logs that can be used as tools to assist clients with their transition to more active living. Motivating People to Be Physically Active, Third Edition, is the essential resource for learning to assess readiness for change and design effective intervention programs that will educate and encourage others to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.




Psychology of Physical Activity


Book Description

The positive benefits of physical activity for physical and mental health are now widely acknowledged, yet levels of physical inactivity continue to be a major concern throughout the world. Understanding the psychology of physical activity has therefore become an important issue for scientists, health professionals and policy-makers alike as they address the challenge of behaviour change. Psychology of Physical Activity provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the fundamentals of exercise psychology, from mental health, to theories of motivation and adherence, and to the design of successful interventions for increasing participation. Now publishing in a fully revised, updated and expanded fourth edition, Psychology of Physical Activity is still the only textbook to offer a full survey of the evidence base for theory and practice in exercise psychology, and the only textbook that explains how to interpret the quality of the research evidence. As the field continues to grow rapidly, the new edition expands the behavioural science content of numerous important topics, including physical activity and cognitive functioning, automatic and affective frameworks for understanding physical activity involvement, new interventions designed to increase physical activity (including use of new technologies), and sedentary behaviour. A full companion website offers useful features to help students and lecturers get the most out of the book during their course, including multiple-choice revision questions, PowerPoint slides and a test bank of additional learning activities. Psychology of Physical Activity is the most authoritative, engaging and up-to-date book on exercise psychology currently available. It is essential reading for all students working in behavioural medicine, as well as the exercise and health sciences.




Enhancing Healthcare and Rehabilitation


Book Description

Summary Description This book is primarily a celebration of the qualitative work undertaken internationally by a number of experienced researchers. It also focuses on developing the use of qualitative research for health and rehabilitative practitioners by recognizing its value methodologically and empirically. We find that the very nature of qualitative research offers an array of opportunities for researchers in being able to understand the social world around us. Further, through experience and discussion, this book identifies the multifaceted use of qualitative methods in the healthcare and rehabilitative setting. This book touches on the role of the researcher, the participants involved, and the research environment. In short, we see how these three central elements can affect the nature of qualitative work in attempts to offer originality. This text speaks to a number of audiences. Students who are writing undergraduate dissertations and research proposals, they may find the myriad of examples stimulating and may support the rationale for methodological decisions in their own work. For academics, practitioners, and prospective qualitative researchers this book also aims to demonstrate an array of opportunism in the field of qualitative research and how they may resonate with arguments proffered. It is anticipated that readers will find this collection of qualitative examples not only useful for informing their own research, but we also hope to enlighten new discussions and arguments regarding both methodological and empirical use of qualitative work internationally. Features Encompasses the importance of qualitative research and how it can be used to facilitate healthcare and rehabilitation across a wide range of health conditions. Evaluates empirical data whilst critically applying it to contemporary practices. Provides readers with an overview with future directions and influence policy makers in order to develop practice. Focuses on an array of health conditions that can affect groups of the population, coincided with life issues and the care and family support received. Offers innovative methodological insights for prospective researchers in order to add to the existing evidence base.







Factors Associated with Physical Activity Intent Among Adults with Multiple Sclerosis


Book Description

Author's abstract: Introduction. Although research has highlighted the benefits of physical activity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), they are still more likely to live an inactive lifestyle. There are limited studies that examine the relationship between physical activity and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among the MS population. This study aimed to explore the factors that associate with physical activity intent of adults with MS utilizing the constructs of the TPB. Methods. This study utilized a cross-sectional online survey done via a social media platform. There were 326 respondents to the survey and ultimately 249 surveys that met the criteria were included for analysis. Multiple linear regression, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the 49-item questionnaire. Results. The results indicated attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were each statistically significant in their association with physical activity intent. The top three barriers found to be the most frequently problematic among adults with MS were "too tired", "impairment" and "concern about safety". The findings also show that the relationship between perceived barriers is statistically significant with intent to be physically active among adults with MS. Discussion. The TPB offers a valuable framework for predicting intentions to perform physical activity among adults with MS. The findings suggested a need for more specified programs focused on the barriers commonly seen among adults with MS.




Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health


Book Description

Can health-care costs be reduced by increasing the overall level of physical activity? What part does heredity play in physical fitness? How does exercise affect the immune system? What is the relationship between physical activity and hypertension?