Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: Real-World Data From Saskatchewan, Canada

Physical activity guidelines for multiple sclerosis (MS) were first published in 2013. Physical activity is safe and beneficial in MS, yet it is unclear if physical activity levels are changing in real-world settings.

The primary objective of this study is to determine if the physical activity levels of people with MS are changing. Between September 1, 2014, and February 22, 2022, when people first accessed a provincial MS drugs program in Saskatchewan, Canada, they were invited to complete the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire by mail. Scatter plots of total physical activity (TPA) and health contribution (HC) scores were generated from each person's questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression explored associations and interactions between disease-modifying treatment (DMT), sex, age, age at MS onset, and disease duration on physical activity level.

The response rate was 50.8% (505 responses from 993 requests). Of the respondents, 69.7% were female; the mean age was 42.8 (± 11.5) years; median MS disease duration was 6.0 years (IQR, 2.0-14.0); and 47.4% had prior DMT exposure. There was no significant change in physical activity levels of new registrants over 7 years (regression slopes TPA: 0.71, P = .26; HC: 0.61, P = .21). Men reported higher physical activity levels than women (TPA: β = 11.95; P < .001; HC: β = 6.65; P < .001). There were interactions between age and disease duration on activity scores (TPA: β = 0.03; P = .003; HC: β = 0.03; P < .001). DMT exposure was not associated with physical activity.

Physical activity levels of people with MS remained suboptimal for health benefits over a 7-year period. Future research should include how to use physical activity guidelines to impact real-world activity levels.