Objective

Functional performance reflects what an individual does in his/her daily life, providing a crucial dimension of the environmental role on his/her function. The assessment of the functional performance status of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is a useful tool to optimize healthcare. This concept does not seem to be extensively explored in this population . This study aimed to determine the level of activity of PwMS during weekdays and weekends, and to establish associations between clinical and functional parameters and this level of physical activity.

Materials/patients and methods

41 PwMS and 16 healthy persons participated in this study. Their physical activity in real-life condition was assessed with an accelerometer ActiGraph (wGT3X) for 7 days. For the clinical and functional evaluations, the EDSS disability scale, quality of life, fatigue, gait, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and timed up and go TEST (TUG) were assessed. Groups were compared in terms of accelerometry, using a student’s t test. In order to verify the relationship between clinical and functional parameters and the level of real-life activity, person’s correlation tests were conducted.

Results

The level of activity between PwMS for weekdays, weekends, Saturdays and Sundays was significant smaller compared with the healthy group ( p = [10.3–10.5], d = [0.95–1.76]). PwMS had a constant level of activity throughout the week, whereas the healthy group increased its level of activity on Saturdays ( p = 0.04, d = 0.69). The level of activity was correlated in descending order with EDSS score, body mass index, and gait velocity at fast condition, 6MWT and TUG.

Discussion/conclusion

This study showed that PwMS during the week performed less activity than their healthy peers. They had a stable level of activity throughout the week, contrary to healthy persons. More information is required to determine if it involves a patient’s coping mechanism (performance < the maximal capacity) or a limitation in performance (performance ≈ to the maximal capacity). It could be necessary to develop programs to facilitate physical activity and participation during the weekdays, but especially during weekends.