Physical Activity is Associated with Walking Capacity in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system which affects 1 in 1000 persons in the United States. MS results in functional limitations, including impairments in walking capacity, balance, and increases in overall fatigue, leading to decreased physical activity. However, the potential associations between physical activity, walking ability and functional capacity are not clear in this population. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between physical activity, walking ability and functional capacity in individuals with MS. METHODS: Fifty-eight individuals with MS between the ages of 18-70 (Male = 15, 47 ± 12 years, BMI = 28.8 ± 6.5, EDSS = 0-4) performed a maximal incremental cycle test to assess peak aerobic capacity (VO2 peak). Subjects completed a timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW), 6 minute walk test (6MW), and wore an accelerometer for one week to determine physical activity. Moderate / vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was defined as >1722 counts per minute. RESULTS: MVPA was correlated with 6MW, T25FW and VO2peak (p<0.05, Table 1). In stepwise regression analyses, MVPA was a stronger predictor of T25FW (β: –0.44, p<0.01) and 6MW (β: 0.48, p<0.01) than VO2peak (β: –0.29, p=0.03; β: 0.32, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Although both MVPA and VO2 peak provide unique contributions to the prediction of 6MW and T25FW, MVPA is a stronger predictor. These results suggest that improving both physical activity and cardiovascular fitness may improve walking ability in persons with MS.Table: No title available.