Physical activity in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: Validating a questionnaire for clinical practice and...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is increasingly recognized for its benefits in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS).
• High levels of inactivity are noted in POMS, necessitating effective assessment tools.
• The clinical utility of a validated PA screening tool for POMS remains undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) as a valid measure of PA in POMS.
• To compare GLTEQ results with objective accelerometry data in POMS patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 27 POMS patients and 45 healthy controls participated.
• Participants wore accelerometers for 7 days to objectively measure PA.
• The GLTEQ was administered to all participants post-accelerometry.

Main Results:

• The GLTEQ demonstrated accuracy in capturing group differences in vigorous, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), aligning with accelerometry findings.
• A strong positive correlation (r=0.736, p=0.001) was observed between GLTEQ and accelerometry for vigorous PA in POMS.
• A moderate, near-significant positive correlation (r=0.319, p=.053) was found for MVPA.

Conclusions:

• The GLTEQ is a valid tool for assessing vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis.
• This questionnaire offers a practical method for researchers and clinicians to measure PA in POMS.
• Adoption of the GLTEQ can facilitate better understanding and management of PA in this population.