The impact of disability on your ability to exercise. #MSBlog #MSResearch
Epub: Motl et al. Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity and Its Correlates in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Phys Ther. 2013 Apr.
BACKGROUND: Physical activity is beneficial for MSers, but this population is largely inactive. There is minimal information on change in physical activity and its correlates for informing the development of behavioral interventions.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined change in physical activity and its symptomatic, social-cognitive, and ambulatory/disability correlates over a 2.5 year period of time in RRMSers.
METHODS: On 6 occasions each separated by six months, RRMSers (N = 269) completed assessments of symptoms, self-efficacy, walking impairment, disability, and physical activity. The participants further wore an accelerometer for 7 days.
RESULTS: There were significant linear changes in self-reported (p<.05) and objectively (p<.001) measured physical activity, self-efficacy (p<.05), walking impairment (p<.05), and disability (p<.001) over the 2.5 year period; there were no changes in fatigue (p=.70), depression (p=.80), and pain (p=.06). The changes in self-reported and objective physical activity were associated with change in self-efficacy (β=.49 & β=.61, respectively), after controlling for other variables and confounders.
CONCLUSION: Researchers and clinicians should consider designing interventions that target self-efficacy for the promotion and maintenance of physical activity in this population.
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Stuart Rose: Running with Multiple Sclerosis |
"It is not surprising that physical activity in MSers falls off with time. As MSers become more disabled it is increasingly hard for them to exercise. We need to develop better methods, tools and programmes to allow you to exercise. There is no doubt that exercise is a physical treatment and improves mental and physical well-being. As I write this I feel the need to go for a run. It is very depressing that I have a running injury and can't run very far or very quickly. I should be grateful that my injury should heal by itself in time. I wonder how MSers' feel when they realise that their disability is irreversible? I now understand why you are so desperate for effective neurorestorative therapies. Let's spread the hope; although neurorestoration is the holy grail of MS Research we need to continue working on it. Without research innovation dries up and hope fades."