Motivations Toward Exercise Participation: Active Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Have Greater Self-directed and Self-capable Motivations

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate differences in motivation perceptions toward exercise per self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior between active and insufficiently active persons with multiple sclerosis, given the well-being enhancements associated with exercise engagement for this population. DesignCross-sectional between-groups design where active persons ≥14 points on the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, and insufficiently active <14. SettingCommunity setting in Australia. ParticipantsAustralian participants (N=70; mean age, 49.61±12.79y; FIM 64:6; Patient Disability Disease Steps median, 3). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresGodin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and adaptations of the self-determination theory (autonomous and controlling forms of motivation) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (attitudes to exercise, subjective norms to exercise, behavioral control to exercise, intention to exercise) items tailored toward exercise perceptions. ResultsActive persons perceived higher ratings compared with insufficiently active persons of autonomous motivations toward their exercise d=0.85 in addition to positive attitudes toward the value of exercise d=1.28, their behavioral control over exercise d=1.86, and their enhanced intentions to engage in exercise d=1.14. All effect sizes were large (d>0.80). ConclusionsThese findings suggest the value of considering ways of enhancing the perceived autonomy toward engaging in physical activity in addition to the reduction of barriers toward participating and enhancing positive attitudes toward the value of physical activity when practitioners are working with persons living with multiple sclerosis.