An exploratory study of fitness practitioner intentions toward exercise programming for individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundIncreasing community practice that facilitates physical activity for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is critical to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life in this population.ObjectiveThe purpose of this exploratory study was to employ the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in order to examine beliefs, attitudes and intentions of fitness practitioners (FPs) toward working with adults with MS in community-based fitness facilities. The study also aimed to assess the relative contribution of FP attributes on the best predictor of favorable intentions to work with individuals with MS.MethodPractitioners (N = 580) completed the Fitness Practitioner Survey via a web-based platform.ResultsThe FPs' intention to work with a club member with MS was best predicted by attitudes (R = .81, R2 = .65, F6,373 = 114.46, p < .001) and favorable attitude was best predicted by perceived competence (R = .52; R2 = .27, F9,338 = 14.18, p < .001).ConclusionPractitioners believed that, by working with a person with MS, both staff and other club members would benefit and that including an individual with MS into their practice was worth the effort. As well, the individual with MS would benefit by experiencing success, increasing functional independence, and having greater social interaction. Fitness practitioners who had more education, held various professional certifications associated with physical activity and fitness, and had prior positive quality experiences working with diverse populations reported higher perceived competence.