Physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis in Germany

摘要

The positive, health-enhancing effects of physical activity for the general population as well as for persons with chronic diseases are indisputable. In the context of multiple sclerosis, though, potential negative effects of physical exertion have long been in the center of attention. In the meantime, there is an evidence base for benefits of physical activity in multiple sclerosis, but research within Germany is scarce. This is the first study to assess activity behaviour and health-related quality of life in a large sample of persons with MS in Germany. Both constructs were found to be relatively high, with the sample holding an intermediary position between international MS samples and the german healthy population. An explanation for this might be a selection bias that originated from the recruitment strategies that focused outside of clinical settings. Taken the other way round, studies including participants only in clinical settings might suffer from a selection bias as well.