Device-Measured Physical Activity and Cognitive Processing Speed Impairment in a Large Sample of Persons with...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Accumulating evidence suggests physical activity (PA) benefits cognitive processing speed in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• A limitation in prior research is the lack of focus on individuals with existing cognitive processing speed impairment.
• This study addresses this gap by examining PA in relation to cognitive processing speed in a large MS cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between device-measured physical activity (PA) and cognitive processing speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To compare this association in individuals with and without cognitive processing speed impairment.

Main Methods:

• 385 individuals with MS participated.
• Cognitive processing speed was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).
• Physical activity was measured using accelerometers over 7 days. Participants were categorized into groups with (n=140) and without (n=245) cognitive processing speed impairment.

Main Results:

• Higher levels of device-measured PA were significantly associated with faster cognitive processing speed in the overall MS sample, after controlling for age and disability.
• This association was significantly stronger in individuals with cognitive processing speed impairment compared to those without.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide initial cross-sectional support for PA interventions to manage cognitive processing speed impairment in MS.
• Highlights the need for targeted PA intervention trials focusing on cognitive processing speed as a primary outcome in MS patients with impairment.