Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
14:55
Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
14.2K
Quantifying observable movement reserve in multiple sclerosis via upper diurnal activity quantiles.
Pratim Guha Niyogi1, Muraleetharan Sanjayan2, Rahul Ghosal3
1Department of Data Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 2, 2026
Summary
Peak activity levels measured by accelerometry can indicate functional capacity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This metric correlates with disability scores, aiding in early detection of functional decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Functional capacity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial, yet conventional assessments like the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) may miss subtle changes.
- Accelerometry can track 24-hour motor activity but often fails to capture peak activity and its diurnal variations, limiting its use in assessing observable movement reserve.
- Observable movement reserve, the ability to sustain high-effort activity, is a potential marker for functional capacity in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if upper diurnal activity quantiles from accelerometry can effectively measure observable movement reserve in individuals with MS.
- To investigate the association between these peak activity metrics and disability levels (EDSS) in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- 248 adults with MS (mean age 54.8, 71% female, EDSS 0-6.5) underwent 2-week wrist-worn accelerometry.
- Scalar-on-function regression was employed to analyze associations between EDSS and diurnal activity curves (mean, variability, 50th-100th percentiles).
- Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, cognition, and fatigue, with cross-validated R-squared used for performance assessment.
Main Results:
- The strongest associations with EDSS were observed in the upper activity quantiles (95th-100th percentile).
- Activity levels recorded in the late afternoon and evening demonstrated the highest predictive power for disability.
- Diurnal peak activity, particularly in the later parts of the day, emerged as a significant correlate of MS-related disability.
Conclusions:
- Diurnal peak activity, captured by accelerometry, serves as a sensitive and time-specific indicator of observable movement reserve in MS.
- This metric, by quantifying both the timing and intensity of peak activity, offers a more precise way to track functional decline and disability in MS.
- Incorporating diurnal peak activity analysis into assessments may enhance the early detection of functional changes and improve personalized management strategies for individuals with MS.
