Physical activity is associated with neuromuscular and physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis independent of disease severity

AbstractPurpose: Examine the association between physical activity and neuromuscular and physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis when also considering disease severity.Methods: 91 patients with multiple sclerosis were enrolled. Assessments included physical activity by 7-day thigh-worn accelerometry, knee extensor neuromuscular function by dynamometry (maximal isometric muscle strength, rate of force development (0–50 ms)), and physical function by 5× sit-to-stand, 2-min walk test, and timed 25 ft walk test. Physical activity tertile comparisons along with simple and multiple regressions (adjusting for age, gender, EDSS, time since diagnosis) were performed.Results: Physical activity tertiles revealed differences (p   8.5 s), 2-min walk test (153   4.4 > 4.3 s). Moreover, physical activity was associ...