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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Subjective and objective assessment of physical activity in multiple sclerosis and their relation to health-related quality of life

Authors: Theresa Krüger, Janina R. Behrens, Anuschka Grobelny, Karen Otte, Sebastian Mansow-Model, Bastian Kayser, Judith Bellmann-Strobl, Alexander U. Brandt, Friedemann Paul, Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Physical activity (PA) is frequently restricted in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and aiming to enhance PA is considered beneficial in this population. We here aimed to explore two standard methods (subjective plus objective) to assess PA reduction in PwMS and to describe the relation of PA to health-related quality of life (hrQoL).

Methods

PA was objectively measured over a 7-day period in 26 PwMS (EDSS 1.5–6.0) and 30 matched healthy controls (HC) using SenseWear mini® armband (SWAmini) and reported as step count, mean total and activity related energy expenditure (EE) as well as time spent in PA of different intensities. Measures of EE were also derived from self-assessment with IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) long version, which additionally yielded information on the context of PA and a classification into subjects’ PA levels. To explore the convergence between both types of assessment, IPAQ categories (low, moderate, high) were related to selected PA parameters from objective assessment using ANOVA. Group differences and associated effect sizes for all PA parameters as well as their relation to clinical and hrQoL measures were determined.

Results

Both, SWAmini and IPAQ assessment, captured differences in PA between PwMS and HC. IPAQ categories fit well with common cut-offs for step count (p = 0.002) and mean METs (p = 0.004) to determine PA levels with objective devices. Correlations between specifically matched pairs of IPAQ and SWAmini parameters ranged between r .288 and r .507. Concerning hrQoL, the lower limb mobility subscore was related to four PA measures, while a relation with patients’ report of general contentment was only seen for one.

Conclusions

Both methods of assessment seem applicable in PwMS and able to describe reductions in daily PA at group level. Whether they can be used to track individual effects of interventions to enhance PA levels needs further exploration. The relation of PA measures with hrQoL seen with lower limb mobility suggests lower limb function not only as a major target for intervention to increase PA but also as a possible surrogate for PA changes.
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Metadata
Title
Subjective and objective assessment of physical activity in multiple sclerosis and their relation to health-related quality of life
Authors
Theresa Krüger
Janina R. Behrens
Anuschka Grobelny
Karen Otte
Sebastian Mansow-Model
Bastian Kayser
Judith Bellmann-Strobl
Alexander U. Brandt
Friedemann Paul
Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-016-0783-0

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