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Physical Activity during Weekdays and Weekends in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Yoshimasa Sagawa1,2, Eric Watelain3, Thierry Moulin2,4
1Laboratory of Clinical Functional Exploration of Movement, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Besançon, F-25000 Besançon, France.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) exhibit a stable, reduced activity level throughout the week compared to healthy individuals. Targeted programs may enhance physical activity, especially on weekends.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Assessing functional performance in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is crucial for optimizing healthcare.
- Limited research exists on the daily physical activity patterns of PwMS.
- Understanding activity levels across weekdays and weekends can inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the physical activity levels of PwMS during weekdays and weekends.
- To compare activity patterns between PwMS and a healthy reference group.
- To investigate associations between physical activity and clinical parameters in PwMS.
Main Methods:
- Accelerometer-based assessment of real-life physical activity in 41 PwMS and 16 healthy controls.
- Clinical evaluations included quality of life, fatigue, gait, and balance assessments.
- Statistical analysis compared activity levels and explored correlations with clinical data.
Main Results:
- PwMS demonstrated significantly lower activity levels on weekdays and weekends compared to controls (p < 0.00001).
- PwMS maintained a consistent activity level throughout the week, unlike controls who increased activity on Saturdays (p = 0.04).
- Activity levels in PwMS correlated negatively with multiple sclerosis disability, BMI, gait velocity, 6-minute walk test, and timed up and go test results.
Conclusions:
- Persons with multiple sclerosis exhibit a stable, reduced physical activity pattern throughout the week.
- Interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and participation are needed, particularly during weekends.
- The findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and tailored support for PwMS' functional status.
