Physical activity and multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Using meta-analytic procedures, this study involved a quantitative synthesis of the difference in physical activity among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with nondiseased and diseased populations and then examined factors (i.e., moderators) that explain variation in the overall difference in physical activity. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Current Contents Plus using the key words physical activity, exercise and physical fitness in conjunction with multiple sclerosis; conducted a manual search of bibliographies of the retrieved papers; and contacted study authors about additional studies. Overall, 53 effects were retrieved from 13 studies with 2360 MS participants and yielded a weighted mean effect size (ES) of -0.60 (95% CI = -0.44, -0.77). The weighted mean ES was heterogenous, Q = 1164.11, df = 52, P < 0.0001. There were larger effects with objective versus self-report measures of physical activity, nondiseased versus diseased populations and primary progressive versus relapsing remitting MS. The cumulative evidence suggests that individuals with MS are less physically active than nondiseased, but not diseased, populations.

Physical activity and exercise priorities in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis: a Delphi study

“…In addition to managing the symptoms of MS, participants prioritised "to keep active" and "for mobility", despite the existing evidence which suggests that many pwMS are inactive [5,6]. These results from this current study illustrate that as a group their intention is to be active and was one of the prime drivers for engaging in exercise and physical activity.…”

“…Rehabilitation interventions such as exercise and physical activity have been shown to be beneficial in the management of symptoms and associated disability in people affected by MS [2][3][4]. Despite this, many people with MS (pwMS) report lower levels of physical activity and lead sedentary lifestyles [5,6]. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrated several benefits of exercise in pwMS including: improvement in muscle strength and fitness [4,7], balance [7], quality of life and depression [4,8], and positive effects on fatigue [7,9].…”

Physical Activity Levels in People with Multiple Sclerosis in Saskatchewan

“…In a meta-analysis of physical activity levels characteristic of individuals with MS, Motl et al 20 found that people with MS are significantly less active than asymptomatic populations but are at least as active as other chronically diseased populations. It may not be appropriate, however, to use standard survey activity measures to directly compare diseased populations with asymptomatic populations.…”

Elliptical exercise improves fatigue ratings and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…Increasing the overall physical activity level of patients with MS is also crucial to maintaining long-term health in the population despite the inherent challenges to patients with MS in sustaining an increased activity level [45]. A meta-analysis performed by Motl et al outlined the current physical activity levels in patients with MS and found that they are less active than nondiseased populations [14]. In addition, patients with MS have lower QOL scores and lower levels of physical activity than other persons with chronic conditions [3,[9][10].…”

“…Increases in structured exercise participation and increases in physical activity levels have been shown to increase QOL scores [11][12][13]. Currently, physical activity levels in patients with MS are significantly lower than nondisabled groups [14]. However, evidence shows that patients with MS benefit from structured exercise [15].…”