Walking performance and daily activity are linked to better quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

A study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland reveals a strong connection between quality of life, walking performance, and daily physical activity in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The research indicates that lower levels of disability, better walking performance, and higher daily steps are associated with improved perceived quality of life in RRMS patients.

Simple walking tests may serve as valuable tools to assess a patient's overall well-being and support an active lifestyle as part of MS care. The study, published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, investigated the relationships between quality of life, accelerometer-measured physical activity, walking performance, and functional capacity in people with RRMS.

Researchers measured physical activity using an accelerometer, evaluated quality of life through the 15D and RAND-36 questionnaires, and assessed disability using the EDSS and MSFC scales. Participants also underwent physical performance assessments, including the six-minute walk test. The study found that RRMS patients reported significantly lower quality of life compared to healthy controls.

Greater disability was strongly linked to poorer quality of life, while better walking performance and a higher daily step count were positively associated with well-being. However, the intensity of physical activity did not significantly impact quality of life. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for individuals with RRMS and suggest that simple walking assessments could aid healthcare professionals in characterizing patients' overall well-being and functional status.