Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Associated Technology Use in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: An International RIMS-SIG Mobility Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DESIGN: Multicenter international online survey study. SETTING: The survey was conducted within 11 participating countries. Each country launched the survey using online platforms from May to July 2021. PARTICIPANTS: This was an electronic survey study targeting PwMS (N=3725). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey ascertained physical activity performance and its intensity, the nature of the activities conducted, and the use of technology to support home-based physical activity before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 3725 respondents completed the survey. Prepandemic, the majority (83%) of respondents reported being physically active, and this decreased to 75% during the pandemic. This change was significant for moderate- and high-intensity activity (P<.0001). Activities carried out in physiotherapy centers, gyms, or pools decreased the most. Walking was the most frequently performed activity prepandemic (27%) and increased during the pandemic (33%). A total of 24% of those inactive during the pandemic had no intention of changing their physical activity behavior post pandemic. A total of 58% of the respondents did not use technology to support physical activity during the pandemic. Of those who did use technology, wearables were most used (24%). Of those currently nonactive (25%) expressed a preference for an in-person format to conduct physical activity post pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity performance, especially activities at moderate and high intensities, decreased during the pandemic in PwMS compared with prepandemic. Walking and using wearables gained popularity as ways to stay active. As we move toward an endemic COVID-19, a call for action to develop interventions focused on walking programs with specific emphasis on increasing physical activity of PwMS is proposed.

Understanding the impact of cognitive impairment and disease severity on activities of daily living in MS patients with different disability levels.

OBJECTIVE: Physical impairments seen in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) affect the level of independence in activities of daily living (ADL). However, physical problems are insufficient to explain some debilitating conditions experienced by PwMS in daily life, especially in activities that require high cognitive ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cognitive impairment and disease severity on ADL in MS patients with different disability levels. METHODS: Seventy PwMS were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their disability status. Cognitive functions were assessed with the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) and independence level in ADL was assessed with Functional Independence Measure (FIM). RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups in FIM and FIM motor (FIMm) scores (p < 0.001), however no significant differences were found between groups in terms of FIM cognitive (FIMc) and LOTCA scores (p = 0.195 and p = 0.348 respectively). There was a moderate positive correlation between FIM and LOTCA total scores (p < 0.001) for overall sample. While there was a low correlation between LOTCA and FIMm (p = 0.008), high correlation was found between LOTCA and FIMc (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although most of the limitations in ADL can be explained by the severity of the disability in MS, the ability to perform ADL including cognitive skills was found to be similar for all disability levels. Cognitive problems should be taken into consideration as well as motor problems in the process of planning treatment programs for PwMS with any levels of disability.

Comparison of the effects of two different exergaming systems on balance, functionality, fatigue, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance disorders, fatigue, and walking impairments are the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which lead to a decrease in quality of life. To cope with these disability-increasing symptoms, it is important to select and regularly apply appropriate rehabilitation approaches. In recent years, virtual reality approaches have been suggested as a potentially useful tool in rehabilitation. Exergaming systems are used in the treatment of symptoms associated with MS, but there are few randomized controlled studies investigating the efficacy of these systems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effects of exercise training with two different exergaming systems on balance, functionality, fatigue, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: Forty-seven volunteer PwMS were included in the study and randomized to the group I (Nintendo Wii Fit), group II (Balance Trainer), and group III (control group). The participants in the study groups underwent an exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist on 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQol), which were performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Forty-two participants completed the study protocol. All parameters evaluated in group I and II showed statistically significant improvement after treatment. Changes in all outcome measures were found to be superior in group I compared with group III. Similarly, all measures except the 6MWT were found to be superior in group II compared with group III. Changes in BBS and MusiQol were found to be superior in group I compared with group II. CONCLUSION: In comparison with no intervention, exergaming with Nintendo Wii Fit and Balance Trainer improves balance, increases functionality, reduces fatigue severity, and increases quality of life in PwMS.