Social Cognitive Factors, Physical Activity, and Mobility Impairment in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Among those with multiple sclerosis (MS), mobility impairment is common and significantly affects independent functioning and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of physical activity in mobility impairment in individuals with MS and explore the social cognitive factors of social support, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy that facilitate physical activity among those with the disease. A sample of 319 individuals with MS were assessed on the following: family and friend social support, self-efficacy, and physical and social outcome expectations. Self-reported physical activity, perceived ambulation disability, balance confidence, and fall history were also measured. The structural model fit the data (chi(2) (29) = 24.49, p = 0.70; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation < 0.01; Comparative Fit Index = 1.0; Normed Fit Index = 0.96; Goodness of Fit Index = 0.98; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.03). The primary findings of the study revealed that physical activity was strongly linked to mobility impairment (path coefficient, -0.43), such that increasing levels of physical activity were associated with less mobility impairment. The most important predictors of health-promoting levels of physical activity were self-efficacy (path coefficient, 0.48) and social support (path coefficient, 0.38), with support from friends being a stronger indicator of social support than support from family. It may be prudent to design interventions aimed at increasing physical activity, especially in regard to helping individuals become more efficacious and building larger social networks, as this may serve to forestall advancing mobility impairment in those with MS.