Association Between Change in Physical Activity and Short-Term Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

ISSN： 1650-1977

Source： Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol.43, Iss.4, 2011-03, pp. : 305-310

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Abstract

Objective: This study examined change in physical activity as a behavioral correlate of short-term disability progression in persons with multiple sclerosis over a 6-month period.Design: Panel design.Subjects: The sample included 292 persons with multiple sclerosis.Methods: Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days as a measure of physical activity and then provided demographics and clinical information and completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps scale as a measure of disability. After a 6-month period, participants provided information about the occurrence of a relapse in the previous 6 months and again wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps scale.Results: Panel analysis indicated associations between baseline physical activity and disability (path coefficient = –0.41, p < 0.001) and 6-month change in physical activity and disability progression (path coefficient = –0.09, p = 0.025). Conclusion: Such findings provide preliminary support for a reduction in physical activity as a behavioral correlate, but not necessarily cause, of short-term disability progression in persons with multiple sclerosis.