Physical Activity in People With Motor Neuron Disease: Validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly as a Measuring Tool.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) is a valid tool in measuring physical activity (PA) in people with motor neuron disease (MND) and to identify the demographic and clinical factors that predict PA participation in this population.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study involving 100 ambulant participants with MND.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a multidisciplinary specialist MND clinic. The clinic is fully funded by the local public health system and patients receiving care here are not expected to pay for their consultation.

PARTICIPANTS

190 patients with MND who had a physiotherapy appointment at the specialist clinic between July and October 2018 were screened. Of these, 100 participants (mean age 67 years [SD=12], 64% [n=64] men) who were ambulant (with or without assistance) were recruited (N=100).

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PASE questionnaire, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-Revised (ALSFRS-r), forced vital capacity (FVC).

RESULTS

The results showed that engagement in PA is generally low, with median PASE score of 57. The PASE had fair-moderate correlation with ALSFRS-R total scores (rho=0.607; P<.000) and FVC (rho=0.250; P=.030). Standard multiple regression analyses showed that disease severity (ALSFRS-R total score) was the strongest predictor of PA levels (β= 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.02,0.06). The most frequently selected physical activities of choice for people with MND were activities around their homes and the biggest barrier to participation is fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Present findings suggest that the PASE can be used to measure PA participation in people with MND. Details about activity of choice and barriers to participation present important considerations in designing exercise programs in this population to maximize compliance and therefore effectiveness.