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. 2009 Jul 20:7:68.
doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-7-68.

The impact of regular physical activity on fatigue, depression and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis

Nicole M Stroud  1 , Clare L Minahan
Affiliations

The impact of regular physical activity on fatigue, depression and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis

Nicole M Stroud et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes. .

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare fatigue, depression and quality of life scores in persons with multiple sclerosis who do (Exercisers) and do not (Non-exercisers) regularly participate in physical activity.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study of 121 patients with MS (age 25-65 yr) living in Queensland, Australia was conducted. Physical activity level, depression, fatigue and quality of life were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Health Status Questionnaire Short Form 36, Becks Depression Inventory and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.

Results: 52 participants performed at least two 30-min exercise sessions x wk-1 (Exercisers) and 69 did not participate in regular physical activity (Non-exercisers). Exercisers reported favourable fatigue, depression and quality of life scores when compared to Non-exercisers. Significant weak correlations were found between both leisure-time and overall reported physical activity levels and some subscales of the quality of life and fatigue questionnaires. Additionally, some quality of life subscale scores indicated that regular physical activity had a greater benefit in subjects with moderate MS.

Conclusion: Favourable fatigue, depression and quality of life scores were reported by persons with MS who regularly participated in physical activity, when compared to persons with MS who were classified as Non-exercisers.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Quality of life scores in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent more favourable perceived quality of life. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1. * Exercisers significantly different from non-exercisers, p < 0.05. ** Exercisers significantly different from Non-exercisers, p < 0.001.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Depression scores in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent greater depression levels. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1. ** Exercisers significantly different from Non-exercisers, p < 0.001.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Fatigue scores in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent greater fatigue levels. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1. * Exercisers significantly different from non-exercisers, p < 0.05. ** Exercisers significantly different from Non-exercisers, p < 0.001.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary Score across disease severity in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent more favourable perceived quality of life. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36 Physical Function Component Score across disease severity in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent more favourable perceived quality of life. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36 Bodily Pain Component Score across disease severity in people with multiple sclerosis. Error bars represent standard deviations. Higher scores represent more favourable perceived quality of life. Exercisers represent individuals who reported participating in at least two, 30-min exercise sessions·wk-1, or had a physical activity score in the leisure domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire greater than 600 MET-min·wk-1.
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