'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.