Health Behaviors, Wellness, and Multiple Sclerosis Amid COVID-19

Abstract

Why focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and wellness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic? People with MS have considerable experience coping with the uncertainty that goes along with having a highly variable, progressive disease. The COVID-19 pandemic presents new uncertainties that likely challenge the coping resources of persons with MS and cause disruptions in lifestyle habits and choices that affect wellness. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, and sedentary behavior are common in MS and now may be exacerbated by the physical distancing necessitated by the pandemic. In this context, the promotion of wellness through health behaviors has never been more important, and rehabilitation providers play a critical role in promoting wellness in the population with MS, across the life span, during this pandemic. Although derived from the MS literature, the following evidence-based physical, nutritional, and emotional wellness recommendations are relevant to not only people with MS but also to other rehabilitation populations who are adversely affected by the decreased physical and social activity, uncertainty, economic hardship, and other lifestyle restrictions common to this time.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Well-Being of Adults with Physical Disabilities and/or Chronic Diseases during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review

“… Moghadasi (2020) [ 78 ] Study did not make a comparison with situation before the COVID-19 pandemic (out of comparison). Motl et al (2020) [ 79 ] Study is an editorial (out of study design). Orhurhu et al (2020) [ 80 ] Study is an editorial (out of study design).…”

Prioritizing progressive MS rehabilitation research: A call from the International Progressive MS Alliance

“…[42][43][44][45] Well-powered, robustly designed RCTs exclusively recruiting people with progressive MS targeting improvements in motor function as their primary outcome are scarce, [46][47][48] and more studies are therefore needed to address this gap. Furthermore, although evidencebased physical activity guidelines exist for RRMS, the same cannot be said to guide people with progressive MS. 49 Having a similar prevalence to mobility impairment, upper extremity impairment is more common in progressive MS than RRMS, 50 and worsens over time. 51,52 As mobility deteriorates, there is increased reliance on the upper extremities to manipulate ambulatory aides such canes and walkers, and to propel wheelchairs.…”

“…42–45 Well-powered, robustly designed RCTs exclusively recruiting people with progressive MS targeting improvements in motor function as their primary outcome are scarce, 46–48 and more studies are therefore needed to address this gap. Furthermore, although evidence-based physical activity guidelines exist for RRMS, the same cannot be said to guide people with progressive MS. 49…”

Pandemic forward: Lessons learned and expert perspectives on multiple sclerosis care in the COVID-19 era

“…Along with its clinical impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of many PwMS ( Motl et al., 2020 ). For instance, pandemic-related fears and stay-at-home orders may have reduced activity levels for many PwMS, which could negatively impact their physical condition and quality of life, and increase their risk of developing non-MS comorbidities ( Synnott, 2020 ).…”