Body Image in active and sedentary people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate perceptive and attitudinal aspects of body image among people with multiple sclerosis, and the differences between these variables among active and sedentary people. Method: This study was descriptive, exploratory, and cross-sectional. The sample was composed of 26 volunteers, with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) up to 6. Software for Perceptual Assessment, Adaptive Probit Estimation, Appreciation Scale of Own Body, Symptom scale, and a demographic questionnaire were the scales used to collect data. Nominal data were submitted to a descriptive analysis and interval data were submitted to inferential analysis. Results: The main results indicate accuracy in body perception, with high sensitivity to body change - the active people being the more sensitive. Also, 73% were dissatisfied with their appearance and tingling pain was the most frequent complaint. There was no association between dissatisfaction with body parts and painful body parts, and the reasons for their being dissatisfied were mostly esthetic. Conclusion: We concluded that regular physical activity seems to contribute to enhancing body perception, but not body satisfaction. In its turn, pain was established as a real fact - however, apart from physical appearance, indicating for health professionals who work with this clinical group that appearance and body function are distinct elements of body identity, and both have an impact on the subject relationship with its body.