Abstract
<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To explore and gain a deeper understanding of barriers, facilitators, and strategies to support exercise behaviours across the disease course from the perspectives of individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). <h3>Design</h3> Qualitative study using photo-elicitation and one-on-one interviews. <h3>Setting</h3> Urban community setting, Saskatchewan, Canada. <h3>Participants</h3> A convenience sample of individuals with MS (n=7). Individuals participating in another study self-identified their interest in participating in this study. Eligibility criteria: physician diagnosis of MS. Participants differed in age (range: 24-75); sex (Male:Female 2:5); duration, type, and severity of MS; and physical activity levels. <h3>Interventions</h3> Over a two-week period, participants were asked to photograph aspects of their environment and experiences that capture what they perceive makes exercising easier or more difficult. Participants were then instructed to choose and caption 6-9 photographs to share with the research team during a one-on-one interview. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the SHOWeD framework, were conducted to discuss the content of the photographs and explore participants' perceptions of managing their MS. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify overarching barriers and facilitators to exercise among participants with MS. <h3>Results</h3> Three main themes that influenced exercise behaviour were identified: (1) Psychosocial: the self and the social; (2) Environmental: adapting and modifying the environment; (3) Logistical: planning and preparedness. Communication and support from healthcare providers appeared to play a key role in each theme. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Barriers and facilitators to exercise among individuals with MS may be unique to the individual and influenced by personality, mindset, experiences, relationships, context, and environment. Healthcare providers must realize the pivotal role they have in influencing exercise behaviours. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts.
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