Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) Correlates of Physical Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder

06/11/2026

AI Summary

Capability and Motivation domains of the COM-B model were the primary correlates of physical activity among people with MS and analogue GAD.
Action control, intention, action, maintenance and recovery self-efficacies, action and coping planning, plus goal setting differentiated current and long-term physical activity groups.
Findings support targeting capability and motivation constructs in behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity and potentially treat GAD in people with MS.

TL;DR (AI Generated)

As a foundational step in developing PA behavior change interventions, this study applied the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model for explaining PA behavior in people with MS who have analogue GAD (AGAD).

CONCLUSION: This study identified factors within the Capability and Motivation domains of the COM-B model as primary correlates of PA in persons with MS and AGAD.

Basic summary

Int J Behav Med. 2026 Nov 5. doi: 10.1007/s12529-026-10500-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent, yet poorly managed among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity (PA) may be a potential lifestyle, behavioral approach for managing GAD in MS. As a foundational step in developing PA behavior change interventions, this study applied the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model for explaining PA behavior in people with MS who have analogue GAD (AGAD).

METHODS: Participants (N = 320) prescreened for AGAD completed online surveys regarding PA (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Physical Activity Staging Questionnaire (PASQ)) and COM-B constructs. Participants were categorized into current PA groups based on GLTEQ scores, and long-term PA groups based on PASQ scores. Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis (DFA) identified COM-B constructs that differentiated PA groups.

RESULTS: All COM-B constructs significantly differed among current and long-term PA groups. DFA identified Action Control, Intention, Self-efficacies (Action, Maintenance, Recovery), Action and Coping Planning, and Goal Setting as primary constructs differentiating PA groups.

CONCLUSION: This study identified factors within the Capability and Motivation domains of the COM-B model as primary correlates of PA in persons with MS and AGAD. Such results might guide the development of behavior change interventions for increasing PA and perhaps treating GAD in MS.

PMID:42989031 | DOI:10.1007/s12529-026-10500-3

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