Exercise, Diet, and Stress Management as Mediators Between Functional Disability and Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sung, Connie; Chiu, Chung-Yi; Lee, Eun-Jeong; Bezyak, Jill; Chan, Fong; Muller, Veronica
• Is Part Of: Rehabilitation counseling bulletin. Volume 56:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: multiple sclerosis -- health promoting behaviors -- health-related quality of life -- mediators; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.06
• DOI: 10.1177/0034355212439899
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-3552

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the mediational and moderational effect of exercise, diet, and stress management on the relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Quantitative descriptive research design using multiple regression and correlation techniques was used. Participants were 215 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Outcome measure used was health-related quality of life as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12v2). Functional disability and health-promoting behaviors including exercise, diet, and stress management were found to be associated with health-related quality of life. Exercise and stress management (but not diet) were partial mediators between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Exercise was found to be a moderator between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Exercise had a stronger effect on health-related quality of life for individuals with lower functional disability than people with higher functional disability. Health-promoting behaviors are important for health-related quality of life, and health-related quality of life in turn is related to better employment outcomes. Health-promoting behaviors can also mediate the relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Rehabilitation counselors should consider including health promotion interventions in vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with MS.