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MS Patients: Walking Boosts Quality of Life
3 Sep
Summary
- Simple walking tests can assess well-being in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Higher daily physical activity linked to better quality of life.
- Physical activity intensity did not correlate with improved well-being.
Simple walking tests and daily physical activity can serve as effective indicators of overall well-being for individuals managing multiple sclerosis (MS). New research indicates that patients with relapsing-remitting MS who demonstrate better walking performance and engage in higher levels of daily physical activity report a better quality of life.
These findings, published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for those with MS. Participants in the study were monitored for physical activity and completed questionnaires on disability and quality of life. A six-minute walk test was also administered.
While greater disability was associated with a poorer quality of life, as expected, the study highlighted that improved mobility and a higher daily step count were linked to better well-being. Healthcare professionals may use these insights to encourage increased activity among patients, potentially enhancing their quality of life. However, the intensity of physical activity did not show a similar association with improved quality of life.
