Physical activity and functional limitations in pediatric multiple sclerosis: Are fatigue and depression confounding variables?
E Morghen Sikes, Marcia Finlayson, Brenda Banwell and 3 others
PMID 37807790WHAT IT FOUND
Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was linked to better perceived function in youth with multiple sclerosis.
This link remained significant even when accounting for fatigue and depression. Depression was also independently associated with worse function, while fatigue was not.
Key findings
01Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was significantly associated with better perceived function, explaining 14% of the variance.
02Physical activity remained a significant predictor of function even when controlling for fatigue and depression, though depression was also a significant predictor.
03Fatigue was not a significant predictor of functional limitations in the regression model.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The cross-sectional design means causality cannot be determined; it is unclear whether higher activity improves function or if better function allows for more activity. The sample size was small (n=65) and participants had mild disability, limiting generalizability to those with more severe impairment. Physical activity and functional limitations were measured via self-report, which may introduce bias. The functional limitations measure (LLFDI) was originally designed for older adults, though it has been used in pediatric MS research.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was enabled by a pilot research grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that increasing physical activity will directly reduce functional limitations. This study shows an association at a single point in time, but it cannot prove that activity causes better function.