Search

We know very little about exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet adherence is seemingly important for yielding immediate and sustained health benefits. This paper is focused on exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in the context of informing research and practice involving MS. This focus is critical for clarifying terminology for future research and providing a roadmap guiding clinical research and practice. Our objective was accomplished through a narrative summary of the literature by a panel of experts on exercise adherence from the Moving Exercise Research in Multiple Sclerosis Forward (MoXFo) initiative and a concluding summary of the state of the literature and future research directions. The panel of experts identified three overall themes (Background and Importance; Understanding and Promoting Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability and Challenges to Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability) that represented a categorization of nine subthemes. These overall themes and subthemes formed the basis of our recommendations regarding future research broadly involving exercise adherence in MS. Overall, there is limited evidence on rates and determinants of exercise adherence and compliance in MS, and little is known about techniques and interventions for immediate and long-term exercise behaviour change., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

To promote health and counteract the decline associated with the disease, persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are advised to lead healthy, physically active lifestyles. The physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) model posits that individuals must meet three integrated, person-related requirements for the adoption of such a lifestyle: movement competence, control competence, and self-regulation competence. To gain insights into the needs and challenges of pwMS, the goal of the present study was to empirically examine the roles of these competences within this target group. A total of 475 pwMS underwent a multidimensional, online-based assessment of PAHCO. These participants self-reported their amount of physical activity (PA), health status, disease-related, and sociodemographic information. We used a series of path analyses to investigate the relevance of the three competence areas for each individual's PA level and subjective health. Stepwise multivariate analyses revealed that self-regulation competence was significantly associated with overall PA volume. In contrast, movement competence did not contribute to this prediction. Control competence was also not related to PA level. However, in accordance with the PAHCO model, this factor exerted an independent, qualitative effect on participant health. In summary, self-regulation competence appears to play a crucial role with regard to PA volume. Specifically, control competence appears to be key for the qualitative aspect of PA promotion, characterizing the individual's application of an appropriate stimulus for the achievement of health. Integrating the promotion of self-regulation and control competences into rehabilitation practices can help to foster healthy, physically active lifestyles in pwMS.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2021.1935437 .

The two-minute walk test (2MWT) is a frequently used walking capacity test in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, less is known about its relevance with regards to walking capacity during free-living walking performance. Therefore, the ecological validity of the 2MWT was tested by 1. computing free-living minutes with the same intensity (cadence) as during the 2MWT and 2. investigating the relationship between 2MWT cadence and minutes with the same cadence during free-living walking. 20 pwMS aged 44.2 ± 12.2 (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 3.1 ± 1.4) performed a 2MWT and wore an accelerometer for seven days. The number of pwMS reaching 100%, 90%, 80% or 70% of 2MWT cadence for at least one minute a day and minutes/day with at least 100%, 90%, 80% and 70% of 2MWT cadence during free-living walking was calculated. Six participants reached 100% of the 2MWT cadence for at least one minute/day during free-living walking. A total of 80% 2MWT cadence was the first intensity category that was reached by all participants during free-living walking. No significant correlation was found between cadence in the 2MWT and minutes in which this cadence was reached during free-living walking. Ecological validity with regard to walking intensity could not be confirmed in our study sample.

Exercise as a subset of physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) based on its pleotropic effects. There is an exponential increase in the quantity of research on exercise in MS, yet a number of barriers associated with study content and quality hamper rapid progress in the field. To address these barriers and accelerate discovery, a new international partnership of MS-related experts in exercise has emerged with the goal of advancing the research agenda. As a first step, the expert panel met in May 2018 and identified the most urgent areas for moving the field forward, and discussed the framework for such a process. This led to identification of five themes, namely "Definitions and terminology," "Study methodology," "Reporting and outcomes," "Adherence to exercise," and "Mechanisms of action." Based on the identified themes, five expert groups have been formed, that will further (a) outline the challenges per theme and (b) provide recommendations for moving forward. We aim to involve and collaborate with people with MS/MS organizations (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP)) in all of these five themes. The generation of this thematic framework with multi-expert perspectives can bolster the quality and scope of exercise studies in MS that may ultimately improve the daily lives of people with MS.

Background: Multimodal rehabilitation improves fatigue and mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Effects are transient and may be conserved by internet-based physical activity promotion programs., Objective: Evaluate the effects of internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion on fatigue, quality of life, and gait in PwMS after inpatient rehabilitation., Methods: PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 6.0, fatigue: Würzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis (WEIMuS) ≥ 32) were randomized into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). After rehabilitation, IG received 3 months of internet-based physical activity promotion, while CG received no intervention., Primary Outcome: self-reported fatigue (WEIMuS)., Secondary Outcomes: quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29, MSIS-29), gait (2min/10m walking test, Tinetti score)., Measurements: beginning (T0) and end (T1) of inpatient rehabilitation, 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months afterwards., Results: 64 of 84 PwMS were analyzed (IG: 34, CG: 30). After rehabilitation, fatigue decreased in both groups. At T2 and T3, fatigue increased again in CG but was improved in IG ( p < 0.001). MSIS-29 improved in both groups at T1 but remained improved at T2 and T3 only in IG. Gait improvements were more pronounced in IG at T2., Conclusions: The study provides Class II evidence that the effects of rehabilitation on fatigue, quality of life, and gait can be maintained for 3-6 months with an internet-based physical activity and exercise promotion program.

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of clinical guidelines (CGs) for MS and to critically appraise physical activity-related recommendations., Data Sources: Medical databases (MEDLINE, TRIP), clearinghouses, and guideline developers. An expert was asked to confirm if the list of CGs was complete., Study Selection: Evidence-based CGs specific to MS with recommendations including aspects of rehabilitation or physical activity were included., Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently first assessed the methodological quality of the CGs based on the 23 items of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument version two (AGREE II) and second evaluated the physical activity-related content quality using an instrument containing 14 items that was used for the development of the National Recommendations for Physical Activity in Germany., Data Synthesis: For the AGREE II domains and the criteria for content quality, standardized domain scores were calculated., Results: Three CGs were included. The average scores for the methodological quality of the domains were: scope and purpose (91%), stakeholder involvement (81%), rigor of development (78%), clarity of presentation (93%), applicability (53%), and editorial independence (83%). The mean scores for physical activity-related content quality did not exceed 56% for any criteria., Conclusions: Overall, this critical review shows that the methodological quality of CGs were moderate to good but physical activity-related content quality was heterogeneous and low. Results emphasize the need for more specific physical activity recommendations that incorporate multiple aspects of physical activity prescription., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Physical exercise is effective in improving functional outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based exercise training (e-training) for pwMS on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Secondary outcomes were muscle strength, aerobic capacity, lung function, physical activity, and fatigue. This is a randomised, controlled trial with a wait-list control group. Data were collected at baseline, after three and six months, and analysed using a hybrid linear model. One-hundred twenty-six pwMS participated in the home-based aerobic (1×/week) and strength training (2×/week) intervention that was supervised and documented via an internet-platform. The intervention group received e-training for six months, and the control group received e-training after a three months waiting period. Significant differences between the groups were only observed for muscle strength (knee flexion (effect size ES = 0.3, p = 0.003), knee extension ( ES = 0.24, p = 0.015)), peak expiratory flow ( ES = 0.2, p = 0.039), and sports activity ( ES = 0.33, p = 0.001) after three months. E-training had no effect on HrQoL but did on muscle strength, lung function, and physical activity. It is a promising and feasible approach to facilitate large-scale, yet individual, training support., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: To review the current evidence regarding correlates and determinants of physical activity (PA) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS)., Data Sources: PubMed and Scopus (1980 to January 2015) and reference lists of eligible studies., Study Selection: Eligible studies include adults with multiple sclerosis; have a cross-sectional or prospective observational design; or examine the effect of a theory-based intervention trial on PA, including a mediation analysis. Eligible studies also apply a quantitative assessment of PA and correlates or proposed mediators and are published in English or German language., Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias, extracted data, and categorized variables according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health., Data Synthesis: Consistency and the direction of associations were evaluated with a semiquantitative approach. Fifty-six publications with data from observational studies and 2 interventional studies provided evidence for 86 different variables. Consistent correlates of PA were the disability level, walking limitations in particular, PA-related self-efficacy, self-regulation constructs, employment status, and educational level. One interventional study provided evidence for a causal relation between self-regulation and PA. However, 59 of the 86 investigated variables in observational studies are based on 1 or 2 study findings, and most results stem from cross-sectional designs., Conclusions: Beside the importance of the general disability level and walking limitations, the results highlight the importance of personal factors (eg, PA-related self-efficacy, self-regulatory constructs, sociodemographic factors). Limitations and implications of the current review are discussed. Research that is more rigorous is needed to better understand what affects PA in pwMS., (Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, in general, show reduced physical function, physical activity, and quality of life. Positive associations between physical activity and quality of life have been reported. In particular, we were interested in the relation between physical activity and mental health in MS patients without limitation of physical function, since limitations of physical function may influence both physical activity and quality of life. Assessment comprised the Baecke questionnaire on physical activity, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We ranked our sample according to physical activity into four groups and performed an ANOVA to analyze the relationship between levels of physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Then we performed a subgroup analysis and included patients with unlimited walking distance and a score of less than 18 in the BDI. Most active vs. inactive patients were compared for the mental subscales of the SF-36 and depression scores. From 632 patients, 265 met inclusion criteria and hence quartiles were filled with 67 patients each. Active and inactive patients did not differ considerably in physical function. In contrast, mental subscales of the SF-36 were higher in active patients. Remarkable and significant differences were found regarding vitality, general health perception, social functioning and mental health, all in favor of physically active patients. Our study showed that higher physical activity is still associated with higher mental health scores even if limitations of physical function are accounted for. Therefore, we believe that physical activity and exercise have considerable health benefits for MS patients.

We know very little about exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet adherence is seemingly important for yielding immediate and sustained health benefits. This paper is focused on exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in the context of informing research and practice involving MS. This focus is critical for clarifying terminology for future research and providing a roadmap guiding clinical research and practice. Our objective was accomplished through a narrative summary of the literature by a panel of experts on exercise adherence from the Moving Exercise Research in Multiple Sclerosis Forward (MoXFo) initiative and a concluding summary of the state of the literature and future research directions. The panel of experts identified three overall themes (Background and Importance; Understanding and Promoting Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability and Challenges to Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability) that represented a categorization of nine subthemes. These overall themes and subthemes formed the basis of our recommendations regarding future research broadly involving exercise adherence in MS. Overall, there is limited evidence on rates and determinants of exercise adherence and compliance in MS, and little is known about techniques and interventions for immediate and long-term exercise behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise as a subset of physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) based on its pleotropic effects. There is an exponential increase in the quantity of research on exercise in MS, yet a number of barriers associated with study content and quality hamper rapid progress in the field. To address these barriers and accelerate discovery, a new international partnership of MS-related experts in exercise has emerged with the goal of advancing the research agenda. As a first step, the expert panel met in May 2018 and identified the most urgent areas for moving the field forward, and discussed the framework for such a process. This led to identification of five themes, namely "Definitions and terminology," "Study methodology," "Reporting and outcomes," "Adherence to exercise," and "Mechanisms of action." Based on the identified themes, five expert groups have been formed, that will further (a) outline the challenges per theme and (b) provide recommendations for moving forward. We aim to involve and collaborate with people with MS/MS organizations (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP)) in all of these five themes. The generation of this thematic framework with multi-expert perspectives can bolster the quality and scope of exercise studies in MS that may ultimately improve the daily lives of people with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Wide Web is increasingly used in therapeutic settings. In this regard, internet-based interventions have proven effective in ameliorating several health behaviors, amongst them physical activity behavior. Internet-delivered interventions have shown positive effects on physical activity and physical function in persons with MS (pwMS). In this review we give an overview on several online exercise programs for pwMS and discuss the advantages and drawbacks of web-based interventions. Although participants of online exercise programs reported a high acceptance and satisfaction with the intervention, decreasing compliance was a major issue. A possible remedy might be the implementation of game-design elements to increase compliance and long-term adherence to internet-delivered interventions. In addition we believe that the integration of social networks seems to be a promising strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]