The Effects of a Supervised Exercise Program Versus Online Education Program to Increase Physical Activity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It is thought that MS, which is one of the main causes of non-traumatic neurological dysfunction in young adults, affects approximately two and a half million people worldwide. The annual cost caused by MS is reported to be between $ 8,528 and $ 54,244 per patient. Due to the destruction of the central nervous system, MS has a wide range of sensory, motor, cerebellar and cognitive dysfunctions. These dysfunctions may lead to a limitation of physical activity in people with MS. In addition, people with MS may limit their physical activity because they fear the worsening of their symptoms. Physical inactivity and sedentary life style are thought to be among the reasons that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression and cardiovascular diseases in people with MS. It is reported that these chronic diseases secondary to MS increase mortality by 1.7 times. In addition, these diseases have been associated with increased disability, decreased quality of life, and hospitalization. Physical inactivity can increase disability and mortality by aggravating health problems caused by the disease. For this reason, it is emphasized that there should be studies to increase physical activity in people with MS. Studies have shown that physical activity improves muscle strength, aerobic capacity, gait and balance and reduces fatigue in people with MS. In addition, it is stated that physical activity increases self-efficacy and improves positive perspective in patients with MS. When the literature is examined, it is seen that there are studies about physical activity in MS but they have methodological limitations. There are a limited number of studies on the effectiveness of the programs planned to increase the level of physical activity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of physical activity program and online training program on physical activity in patients with MS.