Investigation of exercise barriers-benefits, kinesiophobia, physical activity, fatigue and depression in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background & Objective: Despite the benefits of exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), physical activity levels in people with MS (pwMS) remain lower than in healthy controls. Identifying barriers to exercise and related factors is crucial for promoting physical activity in pwMS. This study aimed to examine perceived exercise barriers and benefits, along with fatigue, kinesiophobia, physical activity levels, and depressive symptoms in pwMS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 104 participants (60 pwMS, 44 healthy controls). The Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) assessed perceived exercise barriers and benefits. Kinesiophobia, physical activity, fatigue, and depression were evaluated using the “Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and Fatigue (TSK-F), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the “Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the “Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results: EBBS scores were significantly higher in pwMS than in healthy controls (p<0.001). The pwMS group also showed higher TSK-F, FSS, and DASS-21 scores (p<0.001) and lower IPAQ-SF scores (p<0.001). EBBS scores correlated significantly with TSK-F (r=0.306) and IPAQ-SF (r=-0.328, p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between EBBS-barriers and TSK-F (r=0.358, p<0.001), while EBBS-benefits correlated with TSK-F and IPAQ-SF (r=0.281, r=-0.307, p<0.05).

Conclusion: PwMS had lower awareness of exercise benefits and perceived greater barriers. Higher kinesiophobia, fatigue, and depression were evident, along with lower physical activity levels. A stronger perception of exercise barriers was associated with greater kinesiophobia and lower physical activity in pwMS. Enhancing exercise awareness and reducing barriers may improve physical activity, fatigue, and mental health in pwMS, guiding future interventions.