Does physical activity change over 24 months in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical inactivity is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding changes in physical activity over time is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Limited research exists on the natural progression of physical activity in individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rate, patterns, and predictors of change in physical activity over 24 months in persons with MS.
• To utilize latent growth modeling (LGM) and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to analyze physical activity trends.
• To identify factors influencing physical activity levels in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 269 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) completed physical activity assessments at three time points over 24 months.
• Latent growth modeling (LGM) and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) were employed for data analysis.
• Statistical analysis was performed using Mplus 3.0.

Main Results:

• Latent growth modeling indicated no significant linear change in physical activity over the 24-month period.
• Latent class growth analysis identified two distinct groups: consistently low-active (approx. 80%) and consistently high-active (approx. 20%).
• Sex and disability level predicted membership in the low-active group, while age and disease duration did not.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with RRMS exhibit prevalent physical inactivity with minimal change over 24 months.
• Both interindividual and intraindividual physical activity levels remained relatively stable within this cohort.
• Interventions promoting physical activity are recommended, potentially early in the disease progression.