Physical Activity during Weekdays and Weekends in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The assessment of the functional performance status of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is a useful tool to optimize healthcare. This concept does not seem to be extensively explored in this population. This study aimed to determine the level of activity of PwMS during weekdays and weekends, and to establish associations between clinical parameters. Forty-one PwMS and 16 healthy persons participated in this study. Their physical activity in real-life conditions was assessed with an accelerometer. For the clinical evaluations, the quality of life, fatigue, gait, and balance were assessed. The level of activity between PwMS for weekdays, weekends, Saturdays, and Sundays was significantly reduced compared with the reference group (p = 0.001-0.00001, d = 0.95-1.76). PwMS had a constant level of activity throughout the week, whereas the reference group increased its level of activity on Saturdays (p = 0.04, d = 0.69). The level of activity was correlated in descending order with multiple sclerosis disability, body mass index, gait velocity, six-minute walk test, and timed up and go test. This study showed that PwMS had a stable level of activity throughout the week, contrary to healthy persons. It could be necessary to develop programs to facilitate physical activity and participation during the weekdays, but especially during weekends.

Keywords: accelerometer; exercise; gait; multiple sclerosis; physical activity; sensors.

Figure 1

The level of physical activity (mean counts·min⁻¹ (A) and peak (B)) on the weekdays, weekend, Saturday and Sunday and comparisons between MS and Reference groups. PwMS had a monotone level of activity throughout the week, whereas the Ref group had an improvement of activity on Saturday compared with those on weekdays. Abbreviations: PwMS, Persons with Multiple Sclerosis; Ref, Reference group; n.s, not significant.