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Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: Links to Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Functional Ability
Elżbieta Cieśla1, Elżbieta Jasińska1, Martyna Głuszek-Osuch1
1Institute of Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Collegium Medicum, Kielce, Poland.
Summary
Higher body fat and reduced upper limb function are linked to increased depression symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Assessing upper limb function is crucial for managing MS and its associated depressive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Depression significantly impacts quality of life and disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding factors contributing to depression in MS is vital for patient care and management.
- Body composition, motor function, and physical activity are potential influences on depressive symptoms in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body composition, limb motor function, physical activity, and depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To identify specific factors associated with a higher risk of depression in the MS population.
Main Methods:
- 110 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were assessed for disability (EDSS), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II), motor function (9-Hole Peg Test, Timed 25-Foot Walk), and physical activity (accelerometers).
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations between variables and depressive symptoms.
- Statistical analysis included multivariate regression to identify significant predictors of depression.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms were present in 24.55% of participants.
- MS patients with depression showed significant differences in fat mass, Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW), and 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) dominant hand performance compared to those without depression.
- Increased adiposity and decreased upper limb motor function (dominant and non-dominant) were significantly associated with a higher risk of depression.
Conclusions:
- Higher body mass and reduced upper limb functional ability are linked to increased depression severity in MS patients.
- A comprehensive assessment of upper limb function should be integrated into the routine motor function evaluation of individuals with MS.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing body composition and upper limb function in the management of depression in multiple sclerosis.
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