Introduction: Canada has among the highest prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease for which there is no cure[1]. Many individuals with MS require expensive life- long treatment, and often experience on- going symptoms and medication side effects[2]. Individuals with MS have expressed a need for additional behavioural strategies that may help reduce their symptoms. Exercise is a cost-free intervention that represents a promising means of symptom management[3,4]. Based on a patient partner’s questions, the objective of the study was to investigate whether a speeded walking intervention would improve symptoms of fatigue, depressed mood, and cognitive impairment for individuals with MS.

Methods: Individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) completed a 12-week speeded walking intervention 3 times per week[5]. Self-report questionnaires (Modifed Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS[6]), Beck Depression Inventory-2 (BDI-2[7]), Perceived Defcits Questionnaire (PDQ[8])) and neuropsychological testing (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT[9]) Trails A and B[10], Digit Span[11]) were completed pre- and post- intervention to assess fatigue, mood, and cognition. Statistical analyses were performed in RStudio.

Results: Participants included 10 females and 3 males with RRMS (mean age= 58.76±11.07 years). Post-intervention, individuals with RRMS reported significantly fewer symptoms of fatigue (MFIS) and perceived prospective memory problems (PDQ), and also performed significantly better on the SDMT compared to pre-intervention. There were no significant changes in reports of mood (BDI-2), perceived cognitive problems (PDQ), or on Trails A and B or Digit Span.

Discussion: Speeded walking may help manage MS symptoms of fatigue and cognitive impairment. Future research should include controlled trials and individuals with progressive MS.

Can Speeded Walking Help With Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management? A Patient-Oriented Project