Determinants of physical activity in minimally impaired people with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the commonly known benefits of physical activity, evidence shows that people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are relatively inactive. There are several studies about factors affecting physical activity in pwMS. However, these factors have not investigated in minimally impaired pwMS who do not have remarkable symptoms and walking disturbance. The objective was to determine factors affecting physical activity in minimally impaired pwMS.


METHODS
We recruited 52 minimally impaired pwMS and measured physical activity with Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and an accelerometer used for the 7-day period. Demographic data were recorded. Walking (speed, endurance, dexterity, and quality), fatigue, depression, and quality of life were measured.


METHODS
We recruited 52 minimally impaired pwMS and measured physical activity with Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and an accelerometer used for the 7-day period. Demographic data were recorded. Walking (speed, endurance, dexterity, and quality), fatigue, depression, and quality of life were measured.


RESULTS
The walking speed assessed by the Timed 25-Foot Walk and gender were found the determinants of physical activity level assessed by the GLTEQ and accelerometer, respectively. Walking (speed, endurance, and dexterity), gender, employment status, and quality of life were associated with physical activity. Either female or unemployed participants had significantly less physical activity. There were no significant difference between physical activity levels and the other subgroups.


CONCLUSIONS
Either to be a female or to have slower walking speed was associated with less physical activity. Strategies to improve walking should be focused on female pwMS with minimal impairment.
Dokuz Eylül University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Saglik Yerleskesi, Inciralti, Izmir TR 35340, Turkey. Electronic address: turhan.kahraman@yahoo.com.
Turhan
T
Kahraman
Dokuz Eylül University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Saglik Yerleskesi, Inciralti, Izmir TR 35340, Turkey.
Sema
S
Savci
Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Saglik Yerleskesi, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
Esra
E
Coskuner-Poyraz
Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Saglik Yerleskesi, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
Serkan
S
Ozakbas
Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Saglik Yerleskesi, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
Egemen
E
Idiman
D061725:Accelerometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
Accelerometer; Minimally impaired; Multiple sclerosis; Physical activity; Walking