Habitual and Low-Intensity Physical Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) undertake insufficient physical activity based on current guidelines. Recent work points to the benefits of increasing the amount of time spent in all non-sedentary physical activity. The current study sought to explore the potential benefits to community participation, as well as examine factors predictive, of engagement in 'habitual' and/or low-intensity physical activity. Seventy-four people with MS were compared to 67 healthy controls using the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI). Findings revealed differences in habitual activity level (p < .001), and low-intensity physical activity (p < .001), with people with MS having a lower level of engagement than healthy people. After controlling for the impact of MS on mobility, years since symptom onset, physical fatigue and reduced positive affect were the most significant predictors of engagement in 'at least weekly' low-intensity physical activity. Higher frequency of low-intensity physical activity was significantly associated with greater home, social and occupational participation (all p < .05), and physical health status (p < .01), but not mental health status (p = .964) in people with MS. Results suggest that improving habitual activity level and engagement in low-intensity physical activity may be of benefit for people with MS.

Feasibility, Outcomes, and Perceptions of a Virtual Group Exercise Program in Multiple Sclerosis

“…The high rate of adherence noted in this study can be due to the participant's ability to exercise and socially interact with other individuals from the comfort of their home, especially during a pandemic, and to progress exercises in a supervised manner. These findings are consistent with previous studies evaluating the feasibility and safety of home-based exercise training in individuals with MS,14 and they align with previous reports valuing peer support in in-person group exercise programs by individuals with MS 4,23,24. Notably, the low levels of adverse events found in this study indicate that participation in a supervised and progressive virtual program can be considered safe for individuals with MS.…”

“…1,2 Individuals with MS consistently report decreased levels of physical activity as compared with healthy individuals. 3,4 Fatigue, imbalance, and weakness can lead to physical inactivity, 1 while psychosocial factors such as lack of social support or access to a community group can result in anxiety, depression, and loneliness in individuals with MS. 2,5 In-person wellness programs that address both physical and social factors have been found to improve balance, falls, mood, physical activity, and community participation in individuals with MS. 6,7 However, barriers such as site transportation difficulties due to impaired driving abilities or lack of caregiver support, time constraints, financial hardship, and limited access to physical therapy or wellness services are frequently reported. 8,9 The recent onset of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further restricted community participation in individuals with MS due to their high exposure risk.…”

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological condition that affects balance and mobility, which may result in a loss of physical activity and community participation 1,2. Individuals with MS consistently report decreased levels of physical activity as compared with healthy individuals 3,4. Fatigue, imbalance, and weakness can lead to physical inactivity,1 while psychosocial factors such as lack of social support or access to a community group can result in anxiety, depression, and loneliness in individuals with MS 2,5.…”

Article Review: Multiple Sclerosis

“…The condition of fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely seen and has a significant impact on their daily functioning (56), especially when aggravated by elevated temperatures or physical exertion (57). In addition, persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience speech issues, including dysarthria, which is characterized by slurred speech (58,59).…”