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Physical activity and multiple sclerosis: new insights regarding inactivity.
B M Sandroff1, D Dlugonski, M Weikert
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|January 4, 2012
Summary
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are moderately less physically active than healthy controls. This study highlights a smaller reduction than previously reported, suggesting behavioral interventions can improve physical activity in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity offers benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Concerns exist regarding physical inactivity in the MS population due to research limitations and health behavior factors.
- Previous studies may have overestimated the physical activity deficit in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical activity levels between individuals with mild MS and matched healthy controls.
- To utilize validated measures for accurate assessment of physical activity in MS.
- To provide a more precise understanding of physical activity differences in MS.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 77 individuals with MS and 77 matched controls participated.
- Physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- Objective measures included accelerometry for activity counts, step counts, and time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were found across all five physical activity measures between MS patients and controls.
- Individuals with MS demonstrated moderately lower physical activity levels compared to controls (average effect size d = -0.59).
- Specific findings included lower accelerometer activity counts, step counts, MVPA time, GLTEQ scores, and IPAQ scores in the MS group.
Conclusions:
- A moderate reduction in physical activity was observed in individuals with MS, but less pronounced than previously suggested by meta-analyses.
- The identified physical inactivity levels in MS are likely amenable to behavioral interventions.
- Targeted interventions can potentially enhance physical activity and yield significant health benefits for individuals with MS.
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