Worsening of symptoms is associated with lower physical activity levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between the worsening of symptoms across a 3—5-year period of time and self-reported physical activity in a sample of 51 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Of the 51 participants, 35 reported a worsening of symptoms over the 3—5-year period of time. The worsening of symptoms was associated with significantly and moderately lower levels of self-reported physical activity independent of depression and EDSS scores and MS-disease course ( P=0.04). This study provides novel evidence that a worsening of symptoms is associated with lower levels of physical activity in individuals with MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 140—142. http://msj.sagepub.com