AI Insight
This is a protocol for a scoping review that will systematically examine research on physical activity interventions for people with multiple sclerosis, specifically focusing on factors that moderate intervention effectiveness. The researchers aim to identify which behavior change techniques work best for different MS patient populations or contexts by analyzing existing studies that measure physical activity outcomes. The protocol outlines a comprehensive search strategy across eight databases and describes methods for categorizing evidence about what influences intervention success.
Why it matters
Understanding which factors moderate the effectiveness of physical activity interventions could help clinicians and researchers design more targeted, personalized programs for MS patients. This could improve intervention outcomes by matching specific behavior change strategies to appropriate patient subgroups or circumstances, potentially addressing the current inconsistency in intervention effects.
Understand the Science
by Emily R. Jakob, Steve Amireault, Jason B. Reed, Shih-Chun Kao, Robert W. Motl, Elizabeth A. Richards, Reese C. Kerschner
Introduction
Although currently available behavioral interventions can be effective at promoting physical activity among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), there is inconsistency in the magnitude of reported intervention effects. This highlights the importance of exploring the available evidence of moderation, which can help inform decisions about whether a specific set of behavior change techniques and strategies should be adopted for different contexts or segments of the population. Therefore, we propose a scoping review protocol to guide a summary of the body of work that has attempted to understand, explain, predict, or change physical activity behavior (context) among people with MS (population), with an eye on evidence of moderation (concept).
Methods and analyses
Studies that report on a sample of people with MS in the context of physical activity will be included for review. The search strategy includes the combing of eight electronic databases, a hand search of the reference lists for all included studies and relevant knowledge syntheses, and a citing reference search for all included studies using Web of Science. Two reviewers will single-screen titles and abstracts and independently assess each study based on a full text review. Types of multiple sclerosis populations included, and types of research methodologies used in the studies will be presented using a waffle chart. Results pertaining to the evidence of moderation will be presented using a tree graph.
Dissemination
Results will be published in a peer-review journal.