Neurological Impairment as Confounder or Moderater of Association Between Symptoms and Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms and Physical Activity Among Adults With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

“…Indeed, researchers have reported that a higher number, frequency, and intensity of overall symptoms were associated with lower levels of physical activity in persons with MS (Motl et al, , 2008bSnook and Motl, 2008). Researchers have further reported that the combined frequency and intensity of overall symptoms were associated with reduced physical activity in persons with MS even after controlling for neurological impairment as a confounder (Motl et al, 2008a). The present study extended that body of research by identifying fatigue and depression as specific symptoms that operate as intermediate variables within the pathway between overall symptoms and physical activity behavior, after controlling for neurological impairment, in a sample of individuals with RRMS.…”

“…There is a growing body of research that has examined symptoms as a correlate of reduced physical activity among persons with MS (Motl et al, , 2008aMotl and McAuley, 2009;Snook and Motl, 2008). Indeed, researchers have reported that a higher number, frequency, and intensity of overall symptoms were associated with lower levels of physical activity in persons with MS (Motl et al, , 2008bSnook and Motl, 2008).…”

“…Three additional studies reported that a higher number, frequency, or intensity of overall symptoms were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of physical activity, and the indirect pathway involved either difficulty walking (Motl et al, 2008b) or self-efficacy for physical activity Snook and Motl, 2008). One study reported that the combined frequency and intensity of overall symptoms were associated with reduced physical activity in persons with MS, and this relationship was attenuated, but still statistically significant, when controlling for neurological impairment as a confounder (Motl et al, 2008a).…”

“…Symptoms are perceived indicators of change in normal functioning, sensation, or appearance (Lenz et al, 1997) and have been identified as a correlate of reduced physical activity among persons with MS (e.g., Motl et al, , 2008aSnook and Motl, 2008). For example, one study reported that the worsening of overall symptoms across a 3-to 5-year period of time was independently and negatively associated with self-reported levels of physical activity .…”

“…3). Such associations were further hypothesized to be independent of neurological impairment as a confounder of the relationship between symptoms and physical activity in persons with MS (Motl et al, 2008a).…”