Physical activity and social cognitive theory variables among persons with multiple sclerosis and elevated anxiety

Purpose/objective: Anxiety is prevalent and poorly managed among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity (PA) may reduce anxiety, yet little is known about PA and its theory-based correlates in persons with MS who report elevated anxiety. Such research is important for the design and delivery of behavioral interventions targeting PA for the treatment of anxiety in MS. This study examined PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) variables (i.e., self-efficacy, barriers, outcome expectations, goal-setting/planning, social support, and functional limitations) in persons with MS who report elevated anxiety.Research method/design: 324 participants with MS (aged 48.5[9.5] years) completed SCT, anxiety, and PA measures, and wore accelerometers for 7 days as a device-measure of PA. The sample was categorized into subsamples with non-elevated (n = 218) and elevated anxiety (n = 106) based on the cut-off score of 8 for the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale Anxiety subscale. We examined levels of PA and SCT variables between the two subsamples.Results: There were no differences in PA levels between the subsamples when controlling for group differences in age, education, and disease duration. Social support was lower and perceived functional limitations were higher in those with elevated anxiety and were significantly associated with PA. Regression analyses identified planning, social support, and perceived functional limitations as correlates of PA in those with elevated anxiety.Conclusions/Implications: This study may guide research on SCT-based behavioral interventions for increasing PA as an approach for reduced anxiety among persons with MS and elevated anxiety by targeting exercise planning, social support, and perception of functional limitations.