Living with Multiple Sclerosis – exploring the effects of physical activity on quality of life

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of exercise on quality of life and investigate the perceived barriers to exercise participation. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured one-to-one interviews on 12 participants with multiple sclerosis. Results: Five qualitative themes were identified: environmental, personal, knowledge, quality of life, and taking control. Participants felt that discussing the benefits of physical activity engagement with a health professional and addressing problems such as transport would be helpful strategies for exercise engagement. All participants perceived that physical activity helped with quality of life. Conclusions: These findings indicate that exercise therapy is beneficial to quality of life and that physical activity should be promoted by the neurologist at diagnosis.