Objectively-assessed physical activity and self-reported activity pacing in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.
Ulric S Abonie, John Saxton, Katherine Baker and 1 others
PMID 34132109WHAT IT FOUND
People with multiple sclerosis who reported using more activity pacing had lower overall physical activity levels and less daily fluctuation in their activity.
This contradicts the hypothesis that pacing increases activity, suggesting it may currently function as a way to limit movement due to fatigue.
Key findings
01Higher self-reported use of activity pacing was associated with lower physical activity levels.
02Higher self-reported use of activity pacing was associated with lower activity variability (less fluctuation in daily activity).
03The study sample had clinically significant fatigue severity and moderate disability.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (n=21). Recruited from a single catchment area in the UK, limiting generalizability. Atypical demographic profile: 71.4% were men (MS affects more women) and the mean age was 59.3 years (most diagnosed between 20-40 years). Cross-sectional design prevents determination of causality (does pacing cause low activity, or do low-activity patients report more pacing?). Pilot study nature means findings are preliminary.
Declared interests
The study had no funding. The University of Essex was responsible for the integrity and conduct of the study.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the association between activity pacing and lower activity levels as evidence that pacing is harmful or ineffective. The study is cross-sectional and cannot prove causation. It may be that patients with higher fatigue levels use pacing more frequently as a coping mechanism to avoid symptom exacerbation, rather than pacing itself causing the low activity levels.