Is physical behavior affected in fatigued persons with multiple sclerosis?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding the detailed physical behavior of fatigued individuals with MS is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze the physical behavior of fatigued individuals with MS using objective measurements.
• To compare the physical activity patterns, intensity, and distribution between fatigued MS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control explorative study design was employed.
• Twenty-three ambulatory, fatigued individuals with MS were matched with 23 healthy, non-fatigued controls.
• Objective physical behavior data were collected over 7 days using accelerometers, measuring activity levels, intensity, and daily distribution.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MS demonstrated significantly lower overall physical activity (counts per day, counts per minute) compared to controls.
• MS participants exhibited a higher percentage of sedentary time and less time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Distinct differences were observed in the daily distribution of sedentary and MVPA periods between the MS and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Ambulatory individuals with MS experiencing fatigue display significant deviations in physical behavior beyond just activity levels.
• These differences encompass daily patterns, activity intensity, and the distribution of movement throughout the day.
• Findings underscore the need for interventions addressing the multifaceted nature of physical behavior impairments in fatigued MS patients.