Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on exercise and the role of online exercise in Australians with multiple sclerosis
1Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.
Introduction:
Regular exercise is beneficial for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), regardless of disability level. The previously reported differential effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on exercise levels in this population remains unexplained. We examined effects of lockdowns on exercise in Australians with MS according to disability levels, lockdown severity and health technology use.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of people with MS in Australia (22 April-23 September 2021) collected demographic and clinical information as well as exercise patterns before and during lockdowns. Mann-Whitney was used to compare ordinal data and Likelihood Ratio to compare dichotomous data.
Results:
151 people completed the survey. 72.2% had mild disability and 25.2% moderate disability. Extended lockdowns were associated with significantly decreased sedentary behaviour (31.5% to 25.9%) but also with decreased exercise frequency in frequent exercisers (≥3 times/week; 53.7% to 22.2%). The latter occurred significantly more in those with mild disability (-22.7%) than with moderate disability (-3.5%). More people with mild disability walked for exercise pre-pandemic (LR 8.6, p=.004) and during lockdowns (LR 6.6, p=.010). Walking during lockdowns was positively associated with working from home. People with moderate disability were more likely to engage in home exercise both pre-pandemic (LR 5.5, p=.019) and during lockdown (LR 5.2, p=.023). Engagement in home exercise rose for both groups during lockdowns and was facilitated by on-line exercise classes.
Conclusion:
Lockdowns differentially affected exercise patterns according to disability level. The proportion of people achieving exercise recommendations decreased more in those with mild but not moderate disability. Incidental physical activity was disproportionately impacted in people with moderate disability.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...