Factors associated with physical activity and exercise participation in people with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative systematic review

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an incurable neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 2.2 million people globally. Although evidence shows the benefits of physical activity and exercise, participation in exercise in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) has been poor. A synthesis of qualitative research is required to better understand the factors associated with physical activity and exercise participation in pwMS. Objectives: To synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring factors associated with physical activity and exercise participation in people with MS. Methodology: Qualitative systematic review using the Inductive Thematic Synthesis approach. Data sources: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were systematically searched with further searches of reference lists and OpenGrey. Study eligibility criteria: Qualitative studies or mixed-method studies with relevant qualitative content that explored the factors related to physical activity and exercise participation in people with MS. Study synthesis and appraisal: Thematic Synthesis and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative studies checklist. Results: Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Three analytical themes were generated from 11 descriptive themes outlining the factors associated with physical activity and exercise participation in people with MS. Conclusion: Physical activity and exercise participation in people with MS is influenced by internal and external factors. PwMS adopt a range of strategies to sustain physical activity and exercise participation. Healthcare professionals could play a role in the physical activity and exercise participation of pwMS. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO 2020:CRD42020214002.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)148-159
    Number of pages12
    JournalEuropean Journal of Physiotherapy
    Volume26
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 4 Jul 2023

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

    Keywords

    • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • physical activity
    • exercise
    • participation
    • qualitative systematic review

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