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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Lower Aerobic Endurance Linked to History of Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary Observations
Kimberly R Chapman1, Jason R Anderson, Dayana Calvo
1Questions or comments about this article may be directed to Mary Beth Spitznagel, PhD, at mspitzna@kent.edu. She is an Associate Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Kimberly R. Chapman, BA, is Graduate Assistant, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Jason R. Anderson, BS, is Graduate Assistant, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Dayana Calvo, PhD, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Brandon S. Pollock, PhD, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Jennifer Petersen, PhD, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Hayden Gerhart, PhD, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, OH. Angela Ridgel, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, OH.
Background:
Despite the demonstrated benefits of exercise in multiple sclerosis (MS), this population shows low rates of physical activity. Understanding barriers to exercise in persons with MS is important. The current study examined the relationship between lifetime history of depression, current depressive symptoms, and aerobic endurance in persons with relapsing-remitting MS to determine whether depression might be one such barrier.
Methods:
Thirty-one participants with relapsing-remitting MS self-reported current depressive symptoms and history of depression. Aerobic endurance was assessed via 2-Minute Step Test.
Results:
Linear regression demonstrated that lifetime history of depression predicted lower aerobic fitness whereas current depressive symptoms did not.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest a possible role of lifetime depression as a barrier to exercise in MS and highlight the importance of effective treatment of depression in this population to reduce its potential impact on exercise adherence.
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