Perceptions of physical activity guidelines among wheelchair users with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity guidelines are crucial for public health and behavior change.
• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) developed new physical activity guidelines for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perceptions of the updated NMSS Physical Activity Guidelines among individuals with MS who use wheelchairs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 134 wheelchair users with MS using an online questionnaire.
• Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and perceptions of the NMSS Physical Activity Guidelines, categorized by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) groups 7.0-7.5 and 8.0-8.5.

Main Results:

• 58% of participants did not meet general physical activity recommendations, 32% sometimes met them, and 10% met them.
• Participants viewed breathing, flexibility, upper extremity, lower extremity, and core exercises positively.
• Upper and lower extremity exercises were perceived as most challenging due to the inability to complete them independently.

Conclusions:

• The NMSS Physical Activity Guidelines were generally considered appropriate by wheelchair users with MS in this study.
• Challenges in performing extremity exercises highlight areas for potential modification or support for this population.