Physical Activity Among People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Most studies reported in the literature regarding physical activity among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) focus on structured interventions. Physical activity can also be gained through many nonstructured activities. Little is known about the type and extent of physical activity performed by people with MS through activities of daily living (ADLs), house- and yardwork, and recreation that contribute to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on most, if not all, days. Our aim was to survey people with MS regarding the kinds of physical activities they perform, time devoted to them according to disability level (mild, moderate, cane use, and scooter/wheelchair use), and their sources of information for physical activity. Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted on data from 123 participants with MS through self-reported questionnaires pertaining to disability status, information sources for physical activity, type and time spent on physical activities, and symptom level. Common sources of information pertaining to physical activity were the National MS Society, physical therapists, books, pamphlets, health clubs, and physicians. Mildly disabled, moderately disabled, and cane-using groups spent considerable time engaging in physical activity related to housework. Sedentary recreation increased with increasing disability. Participation in ≥3 hours per week of total physical activity (including house- and yardwork, caretaking, and various exercises) was 96.3% of mildly disabled, 100% of moderately disabled and cane-using, and 75% of wheelchair/scooter-using participants. Fatigue, motor, and elimination symptoms were less among mildly and moderately disabled than cane-using groups. Elimination symptoms increased with increased exercise. In conclusion, non-structured physical activities through house- and yardwork, ADLs, caretaking, and recreation contribute significantly to CDC's recommendation for a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days.