Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Physical activity and multiple sclerosis: validity of self-report and objective measures
Jessica L Gosney1, Jennifer A Scott, Erin M Snook
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Family & Community Health
|February 27, 2009
Summary
This study validates physical activity measures for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Objective devices showed high agreement, while self-reports had moderate agreement, supporting their use in MS research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate physical activity assessment is crucial for managing multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Existing self-report measures may have limitations in validity for this population.
- Objective measures offer potential for more reliable data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity of physical activity scores obtained from self-report measures compared to objective devices in individuals with MS.
- To provide evidence supporting the use of specific physical activity measurement tools in MS research and clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- 196 participants with MS completed two self-report physical activity questionnaires.
- Participants wore a pedometer and an accelerometer for seven consecutive days.
- Correlations were calculated between different measurement methods.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation (r = 0.82) was observed between the pedometer and accelerometer (objective measures).
- A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.37) was found between the two self-report measures.
- Correlations between self-report and objective measures ranged from moderate to large (r = 0.32–0.53).
Conclusions:
- The findings support the validity of scores from both self-report and objective measures of physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- These results strengthen the evidence base for utilizing these tools in MS research and patient monitoring.
