Use of the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis Research: A Systematic Review

Background: The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire has often been included in research on rates, patterns, correlates, consequences, and interventions involving physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Although the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire has been increasingly been applied in multiple sclerosis research over the past 10 years, there has yet to be an in-depth exploration of this body of evidence. To address this gap, the current paper provides a systematic description of the application and inclusion of the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire in research on physical activity in multiple sclerosis that is consistent with a recently published review on its application in persons with cancer. 

Objectives: The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire has been a commonly applied measure of physical activity in research among persons with multiple sclerosis over the past decade. This paper provides a systematic and in-depth description of its application and inclusion in research on physical activity in multiple sclerosis.This review further will provide guidance on future application of this physical activity questionnaire in research and clinical settings involving MS.

Methods: We included papers that were published between 1985-2017, involved participants with multiple sclerosis as a primary population, measured physical activity, cited one of the two original Godin papers, and were written in English.

Results: A final sample of 84 full-text papers was included in the data synthesis. Papers were divided into categories based on primary or secondary purposes of the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Overall, 8 of 84 (9%) papers were classified as ‘Psychometric Properties’, 21 of 84 (25%) papers were classified as examinations of ‘Patterns of Physical Activity’, 24 of 84 (29%) papers were classified as examinations of ‘Correlates and Determinants of Physical Activity’, 28 of 84 (33%) papers were classified as examinations of  ‘Outcomes and Consequences of Physical Activity’, 15 of 84 (18%) papers were classified as examinations of ‘Physical Activity Interventions’, and 2 of 84 (2%) papers were classified as ‘Other’.

Conclusions: There is a broad scope of research that has included the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire in persons with multiple sclerosis. The research indicates that the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire is a valid and reliable self-report measure of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire is an appropriate, simple, and effective tool for describing patterns of physical activity, examining correlates and outcomes of physical activity, and provides a sensitive outcome for measuring change in physical activity after an intervention.