Movements that matter: A photo-elicitation exploration into the walking experience of persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Walking impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) can limit participation in community life. Describing the walking experience of persons with MS will help ensure clinical and research impact of clinical trials, technology design, and policy. However, methods exploring the walking experience are homogenous and rarely co-designed. Here, we aim to use co-designed photo-elicitation methods to describe the walking experiences of persons with MS.

METHODS

A community-based photo-elicitation study was conducted. Participants took photos of situations in their home and community where difficulty walking affected participation in community life. Photos were discussed during semi-structured interviews. Interviews were thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Four themes arose: (a) context; (b) external conditions; (c) MS symptoms describe the walking experiences of participants; and (d) impact described how the walking experience was associated with participation from an emotional and behavioural perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact that walking experiences had on participation comprises of the interaction between the walking context, external conditions, MS symptoms and individual psychological differences. Considering emotional and behavioural impact of the walking experience in research and clinical practice may better resonate with the lived experiences of persons with MS, with potential to improve health outcomes, manage MS symptoms and access appropriate disability supports.