Validity of physical activity measures in ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The literature suggests that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity than non-diseased individuals. That conclusion, however, depends upon the validity of scores from measures of physical activity among the MS population. This study evaluated the validity of scores from two self-report surveys, a pedometer, and an accelerometer and during seven days of free-living conditions among individuals with MS.


METHODS
Participants were 30 individuals (28 females, two males) with an established definite diagnosis of MS. The participants wore a pedometer and a single-axis accelerometer during the waking hours of a 7-day period. After the 7-day period, participants returned to the lab and completed a self-administered physical activity questionnaire and then underwent a 7-day physical activity recall.


RESULTS
There were strong correlations (a) between scores from the two self-report measures of physical activity and (b) between scores from the two objective measures of physical activity, and (c) weaker, but moderate-to-strong correlations between scores from the self-report and objective measures of physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the quantification of physical activity among those with MS using validated self-report and objective measures.
Motl
Robert W
RW
Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. robmotl@uiuc.edu
McAuley
Edward
E
Snook
Erin M
EM
Scott
Jennifer A
JA
D000328:Adult; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires