I ride for MS: The impact of bike MS participation on motivation for physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that results in deficits in physical and cognitive functioning. Research supports the use of physical activity (PA) to aid in MS symptom management and slow disease progression, however individuals diagnosed with MS are generally physically inactive. Social support has been shown to increase PA behavior in group exercise settings. Events such as Bike MS, a charity bicycle ride where individuals raise money for MS, could increase motivation for participation and therefore may be an ideal setting to introduce PA to individuals diagnosed with MS.


OBJECTIVE
/Hypothesis: The objective of the current research was to explore motives for participation in a Bike MS event in individuals diagnosed with MS and their family members, and examine if their Bike MS participation has translated to long-term PA behavior change and positive quality of life outcomes.


METHODS
A descriptive qualitative approach using semi-structured focus group, individual, and phone interviews, combined with observational field notes, was used to explore the experiences of seven individuals diagnosed with MS and four family members from two regional self-help groups who all actively participated in a Bike MS event.


RESULTS
Participants reported important social bonds, raising awareness for the cause, fundraising, long-term physical benefits, and overall increased quality of life as motives for participation. All participants reported long-term PA participation as a result of Bike MS participation.


CONCLUSION
Results support using Bike MS to increase long-term PA participation in individuals with MS, resulting in positive quality of life outcomes.
['Fasczewski|Kimberly S|KS|', 'Cook|Hannah M|HM|', 'Campbell|Katie E|KE|', 'Anderes|Blair|B|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001642:Bicycling D006233:Disabled Persons D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009042:Motivation D009103:Multiple Sclerosis D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases D011788:Quality of Life D057185:Sedentary Behavior D012944:Social Support
Motivation Physical activity Multiple sclerosis Quality of life Qualitative research Self-determination theory