PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROFILES AND PERCEPTIONS OF EXERCISE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS). Lisa K. Saladin* Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the current physical activity profiles of individuals diagnosed with MS in the Southeastern region of the United States and to identify the perceptions of these individuals towards exercise including perceived barriers to exercise. BACKGROUNDS/SIGNIFICANCE: Moderate physical activity is a critical factor for the prevention of disease and the maintenance of health and wellness. In persons with chronic disabilities, regular physical activity is even more important to reduce the impact of secondary complications associated with decreased mobility. Activity profiles for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have not been identified and there is little data regarding the perceptions of these individuals towards exercise. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 1000 members of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National MS Society with a diagnosis of MS were selected to participate. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two survey instruments were designed using a modified Delphi Process. The first survey contained questions regarding demographics, clinical status, and 24 questions asking participants to rank statements pertaining to attitudes and barriers to exercise on a 5 point Likert scale. The second survey contained 7 questions asking participants to identify time spent performing various levels of physical activities per week. The method of administration was a mailed survey with follow up reminders. ANALYSES: Perception/Barrier Survey: Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the demographics and clinical characteristics of the group. For each question in the survey, a frequency analysis of the responses was performed and a mean score was calculated. Chi-square tests were used to identify whether the importance of any particular factor was significantly different across participant subgroups (i.e. type of MS, age group, gender, level of disability). Activity Profiles: Mean time spent in each category of physical activity was calculated for the total sample and then for the various participant subgroups. Analysis of variance and t-tests were used to identify group differences. RESULTS: The majority of participants agreed with statements indicating that exercise has many positive benefits to offer them and recognized the need for exercise. However, a number of barriers to exercise were identified and 65% of those surveyed agreed that they avoid exercise due to fear of increasing their symptoms. While data from the physical activity profiles could not be compard to stanardized norms, analysis revealed that physical activity profiles differed with the type of MS and overall participants documented very low activity profiles. Specific results by subgroup for each survey will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first research study to identify specific perceived barriers to exercise in individuals with MS and to identify that this group of individuals is at risk for secondary complications and problems due to a relative lack of activity. Data from this and future studies may be used to develop appropriate exercise programs for this patient population. FUNDING SOURCE: This study was partially supported by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services. KEYWORDS: exercise, multiple sclerosis Copyright 2009 by the American Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to the corresponding author of the article. Educators, students, and other academic customers may receive permission to reprint copyrighted material from Physical Therapy (ISSN 1538-6724) by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center Inc, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923. Other types of customers who want permission to reprint should contact the APTA Editorial Office, Attn: Physical Therapy.