Physical activity and perceived health status in persons with multiple sclerosis

Regular exercise and physical activity can minimize deconditioning and assist individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to maintain function at optimal levels. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of physical activity to social, mental and physical health and well-being in persons with MS. A convenience sample of 37 persons with MS completed the Human Activity Profile and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF36). Activity levels in persons with MS were much lower than norms reported for other groups of healthy adults and adults with a variety of chronic conditions. Higher activity scores were associated with higher scores on the measures of physical functioning and general health. The subgroup of persons who reported engaging in regular exercise had significantly higher scores on the measure of physical functioning than those who did not exercise. Additional research is needed to investigate barriers and facilitators of physical activity for persons with MS and whether increasing activity may have synergistic effects with other therapies.