[Multiple sclerosis and physical activities].
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease of the central nervous system that most often affects young people. It is characterized by various debilitating symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess physical activities in patients with MS and how these affect their quality of life.


METHODS
Forty-five patients were questioned about their physical activities. The following were taken into account: the characteristics of MS within each patient, the level of disease severity (EDSS score) and the quality of life (on the SEP-59 questionnaire).


RESULTS
Fifteen patients had to give up a physical activity because of their illness but more so due to ataxia, fatigue and muscular weakness. Fifteen patients take part in a physical activity, the principal motivation being for their personal well-being. The mean EDSS was 4.2. Answers on the SEP-59 revealed found that patients with MS who took part in a physical activity had significantly better well-being in general.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical activities seem to improve the quality of life of patients with MS who, in general, already have a poor quality of life in relation to the general population. Knowing that muscular function is improved through exercise in patients with an EDSS less than 6, it would seem advantageous for them to take part in a regular physical activity.
Kerdoncuff
V
V
Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHRU de Pontchaillou, 2, rue Henri-Le-Guilloux, 35033 Rennes cedex 9, France.
Durufle
A
A
Le Tallec
H
H
Lassalle
A
A
Petrilli
S
S
Nicolas
B
B
Robineau
S
S
Edan
G
G
Gallien
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index