Validation of the Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale in Ambulatory, Symptom-Free Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

McAuley E, Motl RW, White SM, Wójcicki TR. Validation of the Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale in ambulatory, symptom-free persons with multiple sclerosis.ObjectiveTo determine the psychometric properties of the 3-factor Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale in a sample of ambulatory, symptom-free persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).DesignCross-sectional validation study.SettingMidwestern university.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults (N=242) with an established definite diagnosis of MS, as corroborated by the participant's neurologist, who were relapse free for the last 30 days and ambulatory with minimal assistance.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresMultidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, physical activity, self-efficacy, and physical health status. Confirmatory factor analyses using covariance modeling and correlational analyses were used to establish factorial and construct validity.ResultsAnalyses showed excellent factorial validity for the hypothesized factor structure reflecting physical, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations. All 3 subscales were internally consistent. Theoretically, relevant correlations between outcome expectations and self-efficacy, physical activity, and physical health status were all supported.ConclusionsThe Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale appears to be a reliable and valid measure of outcome expectations for exercise in this limited sample of community-dwelling adults with MS. Further validation in clinical samples is warranted.