Social cognitive correlates of physical activity in inactive adults with multiple sclerosis

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often physically inactive. This observation has prompted the search for modifiable constructs derived from established theories that act as correlates of physical activity. This study investigated self efficacy, outcome expectations, impediments, and goal setting as correlates of physical activity in inactive persons with MS. Participants (n = 54) completed a battery of measures as part of baseline data collection from an ongoing Internet intervention for increasing physical activity in inactive persons with MS. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated that physical activity was significantly correlated with outcome expectations (r = 0.29), functional limitations (r = 0.28), and goal setting (r = 0.31), but not self efficacy (r = 0.13). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that only goal setting was significantly associated with physical activity (beta = 0.31). Such results suggest that goal setting may be a primary correlate of physical activity in inactive persons with MS.