MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:

ENGAGEMENT IN PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
LAUREN KASPERLIK

EVIDENCE FOR CARE

Impact of physical
activity in patients
with MS
What are the stages of
change influencing
physical activity in the
multiple sclerosis
population?

NURSING THEORY
Transtheorectical
Model of Change
How does this affect
patients with MS?

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH
Methods
Data obtained from
online survey
Results
Most participants in
maintenance phase

CRITIQUE OF STUDY
Source: Research in Nursing & Health
Review of Literature: Credible
Subjects: 335 participants
Design: Cross-sectional
Conclusion: Further exploration needed
Limitations: Possible bias, lack of minorities involved, selfreported data

INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE
Physical Therapy
Occupational
Therapy
Physicians

FINDINGS FROM RESEARCH

Further research needed to promote physical activity in
patients with MS

Patient education needed

NURSING DIAGNOSIS
Impaired Physical Mobility r/t
limited strength
Interventions:
Encourage and facilitate
early ambulation and other
ADLs when possible
Allow patient to perform
tasks at his or her own rate
Promote resistance training
services
Teach energy saving
techniques

REFLECTION
Empathetic care
Improved patient outcomes
Nurse-patient relationship

ADVOCATE ROLE

Advocate for all patients

Provide patient education/resources

SIGNIFICANCE TO NURSING PRACTICE

Need to continue research
Transtheorectical model applied to all nursing
Implementation of research in patient care setting
Plan of physical activity individualized to patient

REFERENCES
Harkness, G., DeMarco, R. (2012). Community and public
health nursing. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.

Plow, M., Finlayson, M., Cho, C. (2011). Correlates of stages of

change for physical activity in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Research in Nursing & Health 34, 378-388. doi:
10.1002/nur.20447