Functional factors that are important correlates to physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting physical function.
• Physical activity is crucial for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Understanding factors influencing physical activity in MS is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify functional factors that correlate with physical activity levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• To explore relationships between specific functional tests and objectively measured physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four individuals with MS underwent eight functional tests.
• Physical activity was objectively measured using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers over one week.
• A corrected Akaike Information Criterion analysis identified significant correlates.

Main Results:

• Leg strength and peg test performance correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Five times sit-to-stand performance and less-affected leg strength correlated with total activity.
• More-affected leg strength was the sole correlate with sedentary time.

Conclusions:

• Leg strength, manual dexterity, and functional task performance are important correlates of physical activity in MS.
• Findings can guide future research on increasing physical activity and developing rehabilitation protocols.
• Assessing and addressing bilateral leg strength differences is recommended for individuals with MS.