| 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, chi2(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. |
