Study links exercise to better quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Physical activity also tied to less walking disability, regardless of disease duration
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People with multiple sclerosis who report engaging in a lot of physical activity tend to have better quality of life and less walking-related disability, regardless of how long ago they were diagnosed, a study found.
- High levels of physical activity are associated with a better quality of life and reduced walking disability in MS.
- These study findings held true regardless of how long ago patients were diagnosed.
- Integrating lifestyle counseling, specifically focusing on early physical activity, is recommended to support MS management.
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who report engaging in a lot of physical activity tend to have better quality of life and less walking-related disability, regardless of how long ago they were diagnosed, a new study found.
The associations between physical activity and several quality-of-life measures were generally stronger among people diagnosed within the previous five years. Findings for diet, supplements, and other wellness activities, however, varied across the measures examined and were not consistent between people diagnosed within the previous five years and those diagnosed earlier.
“These findings underscore the importance of integrating lifestyle counselling early and longitudinally within MS care pathways, alongside pharmacological management,” researchers wrote.
The study, “Diet and physical activity in multiple sclerosis: associations with quality of life and disability by disease duration,” was published in Neurological Sciences.
Lifestyle strategies commonly explored in MS
MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between nerve cells and leading to symptoms such as fatigue, mobility problems, and cognitive difficulties.
Although disease-modifying therapies can reduce disease activity and slow its progression, several lifestyle strategies are also commonly explored as ways to support quality of life. These include exercise, dietary changes, and stress management.
However, it remains unclear whether the associations between these lifestyle interventions and MS outcomes differ depending on how long a person has had the disease. Understanding these differences could help identify whether certain approaches are particularly relevant at different stages of MS.
Being very physically active was associated with better mobility
To learn more, researchers analyzed survey data from 1,083 adults with MS who participated in the REAL MS study, an international online study examining health and lifestyle habits. Participants were divided into two groups based on time since diagnosis: those diagnosed within the previous five years (26.3%) and those diagnosed more than five years earlier (73.7%).
Of all the lifestyle factors examined, physical activity showed the strongest and most consistent associations with clinical outcomes in both groups. For example, being very physically active was associated with better mobility, more social participation, and increased social satisfaction in both groups. It was also linked to less fatigue, anxiety, depression, and feelings of stigma.
Among participants diagnosed within the previous five years, some other associations also emerged. For example, people in this group who were very physically active reported less sleep disturbance, better cognitive function, and greater emotional control.
Very active physical activity was also associated with a lower prevalence of walking-related disability in both groups. Participants with very high activity levels were less likely to have moderate or severe disability than those with low activity levels.
Dietary habits showed no consistent associations with quality of life
Unlike physical activity, dietary habits showed no consistent associations with quality of life across the two groups. Among people diagnosed more than five years earlier, following a low-saturated-fat diet or other diets, such as organic or low-sodium diets, was associated with poorer scores in certain quality-of-life areas, including fine motor function and feelings of stigma.
Mind-based wellness activities, such as meditation and mindfulness, were similarly associated with poorer quality-of-life scores across several areas in this group. These associations were not observed among recently diagnosed participants.
However, the researchers cautioned these findings may reflect people with more severe symptoms adopting dietary changes or wellness activities to help manage their condition, rather than these practices causing poorer outcomes.
Lifestyle factors, especially physical activity, was associated with higher [quality of life in people with MS], with the strongest effects seen within [five years of] MS duration.
Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with quality of life or walking-related disability in either group. Among those diagnosed within the previous five years, omega-3 supplements were linked to better mobility, fine motor function, sleep, and social satisfaction, although these associations were no longer statistically significant after accounting for multiple comparisons.
Neither dietary patterns, supplement use, nor wellness activities showed consistent associations with walking-related disability.
According to the researchers, the study shows that “lifestyle factors, especially physical activity, was associated with higher [quality of life in people with MS], with the strongest effects seen within [five years of] MS duration. Physical activity is also associated with reduced [walking] disability levels regardless of MS duration.”
Still, the reliance on self-reported data and limited information on adherence to lifestyle practices were pointed out by the researchers as study limitations.
Future studies “focusing on how best to integrate lifestyle practices into MS management while addressing barriers to adoption and adherence to such practices are recommended,” the team concluded.
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