[Impact of physical activity level on alexithymia and coping strategies in an over-40 multiple sclerosis population: a pilot study].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity on alexithymia and coping strategies among people with multiple sclerosis aged over 40. The hypotheses were that physical activity should have a protective effect on alexithymia, and more particularly, on "emotional identification" and could influence coping strategies because it can be considered as a distractive coping strategy.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients aged 40 years or older were asked to complete a form including an identification sheet and standardized questionnaires: the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (version B), the Coping with Health Injuries and Problem Questionnaire, the Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.


RESULTS
The participants with a high or moderate level of physical activity used "information research" as a coping strategy better than those who had a lower level of physical activity. They also analyzed their emotions better. The results revealed an association between these variables and anxiety, depression and fatigue.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides insight for future research about the impact of physical activity on multiple sclerosis.
Département de psychologie, université de Lorraine, site de Metz, Ile-du-Saulcy, BP 30309, 57006 Metz cedex 1, France. Electronic address: mathildemosson@yahoo.fr.
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Mosson
Département de psychologie, université de Lorraine, site de Metz, Ile-du-Saulcy, BP 30309, 57006 Metz cedex 1, France; Laboratoire de psychologie de la santé de Metz, UFR sciences humaines et arts, Ile-du-Saulcy, BP 30309, 57006 Metz cedex 1, France.
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Peter
UFR de psychologie, université de Paris 8, Vincennes-Saint-Denis, 2, rue de la Liberté, 93526 Saint-Denis cedex, France; EA 2027, laboratoire de psychopathologie et de neuropsychologie, université Paris 8, UFR psychologie, 2, rue de la Liberté, 93526 Saint-Denis cedex, France.
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Montel
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000150:complications*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Activité physique; Alexithymia; Alexithymie; Coping strategies; Multiple sclerosis; Physical activity; Sclérose en plaques; Stratégies de coping