The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis: an international RIMSSIG Mobility study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Restrictions aiming to slow down the spread of COVID-19 had consequences on the amount and content of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Objectives & Aims: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in PwMS. Method(s) An online survey was distributed during May - July 2021 in 11 countries. The survey gathered various metrics of physical activity (e.g. type, intensity, use of technology) performed prior to (2019) and during the pandemic (2021). Factors associated with stopping physical activity were also investigated. Result(s) The survey was completed by 3725 PwMS. Prepandemic 83% of the respondents reported being physically active, whereas during the pandemic 75% reported being physically active. Concern of contracting COVID-19 and loss of support were highly predictive factors associated with stopping physical activity. The decrease in physical activity was significant for both moderate and high intensity physical activity (p<.0001). Prior to the pandemic, 66% of the respondents reported physical activity behaviour indicating that they met the physical activity guidelines, while during the pandemic the respondents meeting the physical activity guidelines was 50%. The proportion of respondents meeting the guidelines decreased with increasing disability (Pre/during-pandemic mild 64%/ 55%;moderate 52%/ 43%;severe 39%/ 30%). Walking was the most frequent activity pre-pandemic (27%) and during the pandemic (33%). Of the 25% respondents who were inactive during the pandemic, 31% reported no interest in changing their physical activity behaviours, and 44% expressed a preference for a face-to-face format to conduct physical activity after the pandemic. During the pandemic, the most used technology (24%) were wearables (e.g. smart watch). Conclusion(s) Physical activity was reduced in PwMS from before to during the pandemic. Concerns of contracting COVID-19 and a loss of support were highly associated with reduced physical activity. There is a need to support PwMS aiming to increase physical activity. Physical activity programmes which address walking (the most frequent), disability and the use of wearable technology may be preferable.