Objectively-assessed physical activity and self-reported activity pacing in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Abonie, Ulric S.; Saxton, John; Baker, Katherine; Hettinga, Florentina J.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between self-reported activity pacing (a strategy to manage fatigue symptoms) and objectively-measured physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple sclerosis. Design: Single cross-sectional study Setting: Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation centre in Colchester, United Kingdom. Subjects: Twenty-one adults (59 ± 9 years) with multiple sclerosis. Main measures: Physical activity behaviours (activity level: activity counts per minute; activity variability: highest activity counts per minute each day divided by activity counts per minute on that day) were measured with accelerometers. Self-reported activity pacing (Activity Pacing and Risk of Overactivity Questionnaire), fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale) and health-related quality of life (RAND-12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were measured. Scatter plots were used to explore associations between measures. Results: Activity level was 258 ± 133 counts per minutes, activity variability was 4 ± 1, self-reported activity pacing was 3 ± 1, fatigue severity was 5 ± 2 and health-related quality of life was 43 ± 8. Increased self-reported activity pacing was associated with lower activity levels and less variability in daily activities. Conclusion: This investigation suggests that people with multiple sclerosis who have low physical activity levels could be inappropriately using activity pacing as a reactionary response to their multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Citation

Abonie, U. S., Saxton, J., Baker, K., & Hettinga, F. J. (2021). Objectively-assessed physical activity and self-reported activity pacing in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(12), 1781-1788. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155211024135

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jun 16, 2021
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 1, 2023
• Journal: Clinical Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0269-2155
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-0873
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 1781-1788
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155211024135
• Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Accelerometer energy; Modulation
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4372065