Differences in physical activity between individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy adults in Central Europe

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been described in numerous studies. Despite this, research from global and North American populations suggests that people with MS are less physically active. However, not enough data are available from Central European countries. To address this gap we conducted a study to evaluate the physical activity of people with MS and to compare it with a group of healthy controls.

Physical activity levels were assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for both the MS and healthy control groups. The Pearson χ2 test was employed to analyse the effect of age, gender and BMI on physical activity-category (GLTEQ) within the MS and HC groups.

The study included 729 participants, comprising 354 individuals with MS and 375 healthy controls. Participants with MS exhibited substantially lower levels of physical activity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001) and engaged in exercise less frequently and regularly (p < 0.001). Lack of time was the primary barrier to participation in physical activity for both groups. However, physical limitations were a common obstacle for individuals with MS, whereas healthy controls more often cited the absence of equipment or other reasons. Women with MS were significantly more likely to abstain from physical activity, while men with MS were more likely to exercise regularly. Unlike healthy controls, the level of physical activity in individuals with MS was not influenced by BMI.

Compared to healthy individuals, people with MS have reduced levels of physical activity and are less likely to exercise regularly. They also experience various barriers and motivational factors affecting their physical activity.