Self-Regulatory Strategies as Correlates of Physical Activity Behavior in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To examine self-regulation strategies as correlates of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: Cross-sectional, or survey, study.

Setting: University-based research laboratory.

Participants: Convenience sample of persons with MS (N=68).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (EXSE), 12-item Physical Activity Self-Regulation Scale (PASR-12), and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ).

Results: Correlation analyses indicated that GLTEQ scores were positively and significantly associated with overall self-regulation (r=.43), self-monitoring (r=.45), goal-setting (r=.27), reinforcement (r=.30), time management (r=.41), and relapse prevention (r=.53) PASR-12 scores. Regression analyses indicated that relapse prevention (B=5.01; SE B=1.74; β=.51) and self-monitoring (B=3.65; SE B=1.71; β=.33) were unique predictors of physical activity behavior, and relapse prevention demonstrated a significant association with physical activity behavior that was accounted for by EXSE.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that self-regulatory strategies, particularly relapse prevention, may be important correlates of physical activity behavior that can inform the design of future behavioral interventions in MS.

Keywords: Exercise; Multiple sclerosis; Rehabilitation; Self efficacy.