THE EFFECT OF A COMBINED EXERCISE AND GOAL SETTING PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, NUTRITIONAL HABITS AND SMOKING CESSATION OF GREEK PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

<p><strong>Background.</strong> A healthy lifestyle is crucial for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). <strong>Objective.</strong> The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a combined exercise and goal-setting program of Greek patients with MS on increasing physical activity (PA) level, adopting healthier nutritional behaviors and reduce smoking. <strong>Methods.</strong> The sample consisted of 30 patients with multiple sclerosis, 15 men and 15 women, aged 23 to 65 years, randomly assigned into two equal (experiment and control) groups. The experiment group participated in an 8-week exercise program combined with nutrition and goal-setting strategies with a purpose to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The control group did not participate in any of the intervention procedures. Both groups completed -pre and post intervention- questionnaires measuring their leisure time PA, nutritional behaviors and smoking dependence. <strong>Results.</strong> The results showed higher rates of leisure time PA, improved eating habits and reduced smoking behaviors of experiment group participants following the 8-week intervention program compared to control group participants. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Based on findings, further recommendations were made concerning PA levels, nutrition and smoking cessation of patients with multiple sclerosis.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0968/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>