Accelerometry in persons with multiple sclerosis: measurement of physical activity or walking mobility?

J Neurol Sci. 2010 Mar 15;290(1-2):6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.12.021. Epub 2010 Jan 8.

Abstract

Objective: Motion sensors such as accelerometers have been recognized as an ideal measure of physical activity in persons with MS. This study examined the hypothesis that accelerometer movement counts represent a measure of both physical activity and walking mobility in individuals with MS.

Methods: The sample included 269 individuals with a definite diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS who completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12), Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), and then wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7days. The data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: The results indicated that (a) the GLTEQ and IPAQ scores were strongly correlated and loaded significantly on a physical activity latent variable, (b) the MSWS-12 and PDDS scores strongly correlated and loaded significantly on a walking mobility latent variable, and (c) the accelerometer movement counts correlated similarly with the scores from the four self-report questionnaires and cross-loaded on both physical activity and walking mobility latent variables.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that accelerometers are measuring both physical activity and walking mobility in persons with MS, whereas self-report instruments are measuring either physical activity or walking mobility in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Disease Progression
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / diagnosis*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology
  • Health Status
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobility Limitation*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Physical Exertion
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Psychometrics
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Walking / physiology*