Physical activity in non-disabled people with early multiple sclerosis: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Limited research exists on physical activity (PA) in early diagnosed, minimally impaired individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
• Understanding PA in this population is crucial for early intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively quantify PA levels in non-disabled PwMS.
• To compare daily time spent in different PA intensities (No activity, Light, Moderate, Vigorous) between PwMS and healthy subjects (HS).
• To examine the association between PA, disability, and clinical measures in PwMS.

Main Methods:

• 58 PwMS and 20 HS wore wrist accelerometers for 7 days to measure PA.
• Data were analyzed using a motor activity (MA) index with defined thresholds for different PA intensities.
• Demographic, clinical data, and disability scores (EDSS) were recorded.

Main Results:

• PwMS demonstrated significantly higher no activity (NPA) and lower vigorous PA (VPA) compared to HS.
• No significant differences were found in light PA (LPA) or moderate PA (MPA) between groups.
• In PwMS, higher NPA correlated with fatigue (EDSS 0-1.5), while NPA and VPA related to endurance and social participation (EDSS 2-2.5).

Conclusions:

• Physical activity levels differ between PwMS and HS, even in the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis.
• Fatigue is associated with inactivity in early-stage PwMS and influences endurance and social participation in those with slightly higher disability levels.