1. 'I can do this': a qualitative exploration of acceptability and experiences of a physical activity behaviour change intervention in people with multiple sclerosis in the UK.
- Author
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Fortune J, Norris M, Stennett A, Kilbride C, Lavelle G, Hendrie W, de Souza L, Abdul M, Brewin D, David L, Anokye N, Victor C, and Ryan JM
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, England, Exercise Therapy methods, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis psychology, Qualitative Research, Sedentary Behavior, Empowerment, Exercise psychology, Exercise Therapy psychology, Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation, Patient Acceptance of Health Care psychology, Self Efficacy
- Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in iStep-MS, a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a behaviour change intervention that aimed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour., Design: A qualitative approach was undertaken embedded in the feasibility randomised controlled trial. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Framework analysis., Setting: Participants were recruited from a single MS therapy centre in the southeast of England, UK., Participants: Sixty people with MS were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or usual care. Following a purposive sampling strategy, 15 participants from the intervention arm undertook 1:1 semi-structured interviews., Interventions: The iStep-MS intervention consisted of four therapist-led sessions over 12 weeks, supported by a handbook and pedometer., Results: Three themes were identified from the data. "I can do this": developing competence in physical activity highlights the enhanced physical activity confidence gained through goal setting and accomplishment. " I felt valued": the nurturing culture provides an overview of the supportive and non-judgemental environment created by the programme structure and therapeutic relationship. Finally, " What can I do?": empowered enactment describes the transition from the supported iStep-MS intervention to intrinsically motivated physical activity enactment., Conclusions: Overall, this study supports the acceptability of the iStep-MS intervention and identified key areas that supported participants to be physically active., Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN15343862., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
- Published
- 2020
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