Can breaking up sedentary time help MS symptoms?

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Breaking Up Sedentary Time Can Alleviate Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

New research from the University of Alberta suggests that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) can experience improvements in their symptoms by incorporating more daily physical activities into their routines, rather than solely focusing on formal exercise. A 15-week study involving 40 participants demonstrated that reducing prolonged sedentary periods through everyday movements, such as walking and housework, led to tangible benefits, including a decrease in fatigue and enhanced walking abilities.
Study Design and Participant Engagement

The small-scale study, conducted over 15 weeks, involved 40 participants who worked with coaches to increase their daily movement. Participants were encouraged to break up extended periods of sitting with everyday activities like walking and household chores. They utilized Fitbits to monitor their activity levels throughout the program, providing objective data on their engagement with the intervention.
Observed Symptom Improvements

Upon completion of the 15-week program, participants reported noticeable improvements across most of their MS symptoms. A significant finding was the reduction in fatigue levels, a common and debilitating symptom for individuals with MS. Furthermore, the study observed enhancements in participants' usual walking speed and endurance, indicating a positive impact on mobility.
Rationale for Everyday Activity Emphasis

Symptoms of MS, such as mobility challenges, fatigue, and depression, often make sustained physical activity difficult, leading to lower activity levels compared to their peers. The researchers propose that increasing everyday movement, such as taking more steps or standing more frequently, is a more achievable starting point than formal workouts. This approach is considered psychologically accessible, allowing individuals to engage in physical activity at their own pace and potentially meet established physical activity guidelines.
Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults aged 18 to 64 with mild to moderate MS disability engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity twice a week and strength training exercises twice a week. The strategy of increasing everyday activity is presented as a practical method for MS patients to work towards meeting these recommendations. This sustained engagement with movement is believed to play a crucial role in managing disease symptoms over the long term, especially given that MS typically affects a younger demographic (20-49 years old) who often compare their activity levels to their peers.

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Can breaking up sedentary time help MS symptoms?

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