“I can do this”: a qualitative exploration of acceptability and experiences of a physical activity behaviour change intervention in people with multiple sclerosis in the UK

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in iStep-MS, a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a behaviour change intervention that aimed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour. Design A qualitative approach was undertaken embedded in the feasibility randomised controlled trial. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Framework analysis. Setting Participants were recruited from a single MS therapy centre in the southeast of England, UK. Participants Sixty people with MS were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or usual care. Following a purposive sampling strategy, 15 participants from the intervention arm undertook 1:1 semi-structured interviews. Interventions The iStep-MS intervention consisted of four therapist-led sessions over 12 weeks, supported by a handbook and pedometer. Results Three themes were identified from the data. “I can do this”: developing competence in physical activity highlights the enhanced physical activity confidence gained through goal setting and accomplishment. “I felt valued”: the nurturing culture provides an overview of the supportive and non-judgemental environment created by the programme structure and therapeutic relationship. Finally, “What can I do?”: empowered enactment describes the transition from the supported iStep-MS intervention to intrinsically motivated physical activity enactment. Conclusions Overall, this study supports the acceptability of the iStep-MS intervention and identified key areas that supported participants to be physically active. Trial registration number ISRCTN15343862.