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Quantitation of lower physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco 94121, USA. alexng@itsa.ucsf.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Physical activity levels were significantly lower in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy sedentary individuals. Accelerometer measurements revealed this difference, highlighting reduced mobility in those with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease impacting motor function.
- Reduced physical activity is a potential consequence of MS, affecting patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare physical activity levels between individuals with MS and healthy sedentary controls.
- To evaluate the sensitivity of different measurement tools in detecting activity differences in sedentary populations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 17 MS patients and 15 healthy sedentary controls participated.
- Physical activity was objectively measured using a 3D accelerometer over 7 days.
- Subjective physical activity was assessed using a 7-day activity questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Accelerometer data showed significantly lower physical activity in MS patients (121,027 units/day) compared to controls (185,892 units/day) (P=0.01).
- Energy expenditure estimates from questionnaires did not reveal significant differences between groups (35.9 vs. 36.2 Kcal.kg-1.d-1).
- Accelerometers proved more sensitive than questionnaires in detecting activity differences in these sedentary groups.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with MS exhibit reduced physical activity compared to healthy sedentary individuals, as objectively measured by accelerometers.
- Accelerometer-based activity monitoring is a more sensitive tool than activity questionnaires for detecting subtle differences in physical activity within sedentary populations, including those with neurological conditions like MS.