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Objective: The purpose of the study was to understand how people with multiple sclerosis experience dual-tasking situations in their everyday lives. Methods: Focus groups involving a total of 11 individuals with multiple sclerosis (eight females and three males) participated in this qualitative inquiry. Participants were asked open-ended questions focused on the nature of and consequences around dual tasking when standing or walking. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to examine the data. Results: Three themes were generated from the data: (a) Life Is a Dual Task, (b) The Social Divide, and (c) Sacrifices for Stability. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance and impact of dual tasking on the lived experience of adults with multiple sclerosis, furthering the need to more fully examine this phenomenon and potentially improve fall-prevention interventions and facilitate community participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study expands on current understanding of dual-task cognitive-motor interference, by including cortical activation measures to both traditional and ecologically valid dual-task paradigms. Fifteen individuals with multiple sclerosis and 14 control participants underwent mobility testing while wearing functional near-infrared spectroscopy. In the absence of increased prefrontal cortical activation, subjects with multiple sclerosis performed significantly worse on measures of cognition under both single- and dual-task conditions. These findings suggest that persons with multiple sclerosis may be unable to allocate additional cortical resources to cognition under dual-task conditions, leading to significant cognitive-motor interference and decrements in performance. This study is the first to investigate cortical activation across several commonly used and ecologically valid dual-task assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the inclusion of students with and without disabilities in physical education as the movement toward standards-based education progresses, examining whether standards should be applied to all students, obstacles to including all students, ways to include all students, and the importance of standards for teachers. An example of inclusive assessment is presented. (SM)

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of regular physical activity (PA), most adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) are insufficiently active. Identifying the motivational correlates of PA is necessary to facilitate health behavior change. The extent to which the constructs of psychological need satisfaction and motivational regulations associate with self-determined PA in adults with the disease was examined. METHODS: Individuals with MS were provided a link to a web-based survey. There were 290 respondents: 242 women and 48 men aged 22 to 71 (mean ± SD, 49.50 ± 12.05) years with primarily mild to moderate mobility impairment who completed the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise scale, the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Path analysis revealed that PA was best predicted by integrated regulation, competence, and mobility, explaining 28% of the variance in PA behavior. All 3 need satisfaction variables (relatedness, competence, and autonomy) and mobility impairment accounted for 43% of the variance in integrated regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing satisfaction of the need for relatedness, competence, and autonomy can lead to more integrated and internally motivated PA engagement in adults with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying motivational factors that facilitate physical activity engagement in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) is important given beneficial health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity of adults with MS and perceived spousal behaviors underlying self-determination. One-hundred and twelve individuals with MS completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps, Physical Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Spousal Support for Physical Activity Scale, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, scale reliabilities, and bivariate correlations were obtained. To examine the influence of perceived spousal behavior on total metabolic equivalents, a regression analysis was conducted. All subscales were found to be highly reliable. Strong and significant associations between each of the variables and physical activity existed except for that of expectations, social control, and self-efficacy. Physical activity was best predicted by spousal behaviors supporting the self-determination constructs of relatedness, competence, and autonomy (R = 0.49, R2=0.24, F8,93=2.27, p < 0.05), with spousal support contributing 14.8% to total self-determined physical activity. Given the significant role of the spouse in fostering intrinsic motivation for physical activity in adults with MS, delivering more partner-oriented and targeted interventions that build relationship, competence and autonomy appear warranted. Physical activity offers significant physical and psychological benefit to adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can contribute to greater marital satisfaction. Self-determined physical activity of individuals with MS can be facilitated by spouses who support their partner's needs for relatedness, competency, and autonomy. Delivering more partner-oriented and targeted interventions that develop self-determination have the potential to increase physical activity and improve quality of life in those with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a recent shift in the profession of physical therapy toward lifestyle health promotion and, in particular, nutrition integration. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) position states that physical therapists (PTs) should include nutrition in practice, and accreditation standards now mandate nutrition education for PTs. The profession is well-suited to promote behavior change, yet research is needed to support this transition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (1) analyze current nutrition implementation by practicing PTs, (2) assess PTs' intentions toward incorporating nutrition into their practice, and (3) examine facilitators toward integrating nutrition into physical therapy. This research was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A survey constructed from preliminary interview research was distributed to graduates from an entry-level physical therapy program that did not yet offer nutrition instruction. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Fifty-one practicing PTs completed the survey. 43.1 percent of participants had received external nutrition instruction. PTs with formal nutrition education found it significantly easier to incorporate nutrition into their practice (p<0.001). PTs' intentions to integrate nutrition into their practice were best predicted by their attitudes and behavioral beliefs. Many areas in which nutrition could benefit patient outcomes were identified including: the management of obesity and chronic conditions, improved wellness and preventative care, and performance enhancement. This exploratory research demonstrated that education can equip PTs to incorporate nutrition into their practice, which may improve physical therapy outcomes. Both the addition of nutrition education into entry-level curricula as well as shifting attitudes toward incorporation of basic nutrition into physical therapy practice are crucial steps in placing the profession at the forefront of managing lifestyle diseases and promoting optimal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the maximization of learning opportunities through activity modification in physical education. Changes in the face of physical education classes; Issues surrounding the involvement of students with varied abilities; Benefits of varying teaching strategies.

The purpose of Ibis study was to compare physical fitness levels of trained runners with mild mental retardation (MMR) (7 males and 2 females, age = 28.7 ± 7.4 years, weight = 67.0 ± 11.7 kg) and those without (7 males and 2 females, age = 29.1 ± 7.5, weight = 68.7 ± 8.8 kg). Paired t tests revealed no differences between runners with and without MMR on measures of VO2 peak (56.3 ± 9.1 vs. 57.7 ± 4.1 ml ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1), percent body fat (16.6 ± 8,4 vs. 16.6 ± 3.1), and lower back/hamstring flexibility (33.1 ± 10.9 vs. 28.6 ± 10.1 cm). Knee flexion (KF) and extension (KE) strength were significantly greater in runners without MMR compared to those with MMR (KF peak torque = 65.7 ± 7.9 vs, 48.7 ± 15.7 ft/lb; KE peak torque = 138.5 ± 17.7 vs. 104.4 ± 29.9 ft/lb). It was concluded that trained runners with MMR can achieve high levels of physical fitness comparable to individuals without MMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among those with multiple sclerosis (MS), mobility impairment is common and significantly affects independent functioning and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of physical activity in mobility impairment in individuals with MS and explore the social cognitive factors of social support, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy that facilitate physical activity among those with the disease. A sample of 319 individuals with MS were assessed on the following: family and friend social support, self-efficacy, and physical and social outcome expectations. Self-reported physical activity, perceived ambulation disability, balance confidence, and fall history were also measured. The structural model fit the data (χ2 (29) = 24.49, p = 0.70; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation < 0.01; Comparative Fit Index = 1.0; Normed Fit Index = 0.96; Goodness of Fit Index = 0.98; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.03). The primary findings of the study revealed that physical activity was strongly linked to mobility impairment (path coefficient, -0.43), such that increasing levels of physical activity were associated with less mobility impairment. The most important predictors of health-promoting levels of physical activity were self-efficacy (path coefficient, 0.48) and social support (path coefficient, 0.38), with support from friends being a stronger indicator of social support than support from family. It may be prudent to design interventions aimed at increasing physical activity, especially in regard to helping individuals become more efficacious and building larger social networks, as this may serve to forestall advancing mobility impairment in those with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Ratings of Perceived Stability (RPS) scale as a measure of balance exercise intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).Twenty participants with MS (mean age: 58.1 ± 15.29; 60% female) performed 14 balance tasks on two separate occasions wearing body-worn inertial sensors and rated their perceived stability for each task. Sensor data included sway velocity and angle, gait speed, turn velocity, and lean angle. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Spearman rank correlations (rs) were employed to assess reliability and validity, respectively.The RPS showed good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC> 0.75) on 12 out of the 14 tasks. The stability ratings revealed moderate relationships with postural sway outcomes in static balance tasks (rs: 0.49 to 0.77) and weak to moderate associations with gait speed (rs: −0.69 to −0.14). Ratings of stability were also strongly related to turn velocity (rs= −0.77) and moderately related to lean angle (rs= 0.58).The RPS scale offers a promising clinical tool to measure balance exercise intensity for persons with MS. This standardized scale allows for tailored balance training with a novel means for exercise monitoring and progression in this population.The Ratings of Perceived Stability (RPS) scale is a reliable and valid measure for determining balance exercise intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis.The RPS scale can contribute to clear evaluation, description, and replication of balance training intensity in future balance interventions.The Ratings of Perceived Stability (RPS) scale is a reliable and valid measure for determining balance exercise intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis.The RPS scale can contribute to clear evaluation, description, and replication of balance training intensity in future balance interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]