Fatigue, sleepiness, and physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objectively assessed sleep quality parameters in Multiple Sclerosis at home: Association to disease, disease severity and physical activity

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease that affects regular mobility and leads predominantly to physical disability. Poor sleep quality, commonly reported in MS patients, impacts their physical activity (PA). Accelerometers monitor 24-h activity patterns, offering insights into disease progression in daily life.

OBJECTIVE

To test if the sleep quality variables of MS patients, as assessed with wrist-worn accelerometers, differ from those of controls and are associated with PA and disease severity variables.

METHODS

Seven-day raw accelerometer data collected from 40 MS patients and 24 controls was processed using an open-source GGIR package, from which variables of sleep quality (sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep regularity index (SRI), intradaily variability (IV)) and PA (of different intensities: inactivity, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA)) were analyzed. The variables were compared between the two study groups and in MS patients, correlation tested associations among the variables of sleep quality, PA, and disease severity (assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS).

RESULTS

Sleep efficiency was the only variable that differed significantly between MS patients and controls (lower in MS, p = 0.01). Both SRI (positively) and IV (negatively) correlated with the time spent in LPA and MPA. WASO correlated negatively with inactivity.

CONCLUSION

This is one of the few studies with a wrist-worn accelerometer that shows a difference in sleep efficiency between MS patients and controls and, in MS, an association of sleep quality variables with PA variables.

Fatigued but not sleepy? An empirical investigation of the differentiation between fatigue and sleepiness in sleep disorder patients in a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Sleepiness and fatigue are common complaints among individuals with sleep disorders. The two concepts are often used interchangeably, causing difficulty with differential diagnosis and treatment decisions. The current study investigated sleep disorder patients to determine which factors best differentiated sleepiness from fatigue.

METHODS

The study used a subset of participants from a multi-site study (n = 606), using a cross-sectional study design. We selected 60 variables associated with either sleepiness or fatigue, including demographic, mental health, and lifestyle factors, medical history, sleep questionnaires, rest-activity rhythms (actigraphy), polysomnographic (PSG) variables, and sleep diaries. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale and sleepiness was measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A Random Forest machine learning approach was utilized for analysis.

RESULTS

Participants' average age was 47.5 years (SD 14.0), 54.6% female, and the most common sleep disorder diagnosis was obstructive sleep apnea (67.4%). Sleepiness and fatigue were moderately correlated (r = 0.334). The model for fatigue (explained variance 49.5%) indicated depression was the strongest predictor (relative explained variance 42.7%), followed by insomnia severity (12.3%). The model for sleepiness (explained variance 17.9%), indicated insomnia symptoms was the strongest predictor (relative explained variance 17.6%). A post hoc receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated depression could be used to discriminate fatigue (AUC = 0.856) but not sleepiness (AUC = 0.643).

CONCLUSIONS

The moderate correlation between fatigue and sleepiness supports previous literature that the two concepts are overlapping yet distinct. Importantly, depression played a more prominent role in characterizing fatigue than sleepiness, suggesting depression could be used to differentiate the two concepts.

Sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the presence of sleep disturbances and their relationship with clinical and demographic variables in patients with MS, with a view to establishing correlations between the different variables and the frequency of sleep disturbances.

METHODS

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to detect sleep disorders. We contacted patients treated at the MS unit and distributed a questionnaire (PSQI) to 221 patients, receiving 142 usable questionnaires between 8 and 30 September 2019.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients with sleep disturbances in our study was 74.7% (73.7% in women and 76.8% in men). Therefore, sleep disorders are pervasive in patients with MS, with 3 out of 4 patients experiencing them, a higher rate than that observed in the population without the disease. The frequency of sleep disorders gradually increased in line with age. In the 2 age groups analyzed, 44-54 years and 55-68 years, the proportion of moderate and severe sleep disorders was 42.8% and 53.9%, respectively. Moderate and severe sleep disturbances were observed in 27.5%, 44.7%, and 58.3% of patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 0-3, 3-6, and >6, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that sleep disorders are more common in patients with MS than in other populations. Patients with secondary progressive forms of MS more frequently present sleep disturbances, while patients with primary progressive forms report them less frequently. Age and degree of disability were positively correlated with the prevalence and severity of sleep disorders in MS patients.

Association between Daytime Sleepiness, Fatigue and Autonomic Responses during Head-Up Tilt Test in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

We aimed to assess dynamic changes in hemodynamic and autonomic function in response to the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls (HCs) and evaluate its relationship with the patients' reported daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms. A total of 58 MS patients and 30 HCs were included in the analysis. Fatigue and sleepiness were evaluated using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. Hemodynamic response, baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) variability (SBPV, DBPV) parameters were calculated at rest, and in response to the HUTT. The MS patients displayed attenuated BP responses coupled with a more pronounced decrease in cardiac index as well as a reduced increase in the low frequency (LFnu) of DBPV (p = 0.021) and the sympathovagal ratio (p = 0.031) in the latter-phase orthostatic challenge compared to HCs. In MS patients, the ESS score showed no correlation with CFQ or clinical disease outcomes, but exhibited a moderate correlation with LFnu of BPVrest. Fatigue and disease variants predicted blood pressure response to HUTT. These findings underscore the importance of subjective daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms and their role in blood pressure regulation in MS patients.

Physical activity is related to disease severity and fatigue, but not to relapse rate in persons with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis - a self-reported questionnaire based study

Introduction

Based on theoretical models, physical activity has been introduced as a promoting method to mitigate the disease severity, fatigue and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relation between self-reported physical activity level and disease severity, fatigue and relapse rate in persons with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods

A survey was offered to persons with RRMS from March 2019 to August 2021 (n = 253). Physical activity level, fatigue and disease severity were determined using the Godin Leisure-Time Questionnaire (GLTEQ), the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale and the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). Additionally, participants' relapse rate was recorded.

Results

Bivariate correlations revealed an inverse relation between physical activity level and PDDS (ρ = -0.279; p < 0.001) as well as between physical activity and FSMC (r = -0.213, p < 0.001), but not between physical activity and relapse rate (r = 0.033, p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses explained 12.6% and 5.2% of the variance of PDDS and FSMC.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm a relation between self-reported physical activity, disease severity and fatigue in persons with RRMS. However, self-reported physical activity level does not seem to affect the annualised relapse rate.

Sleep disturbance and fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep disturbance is common in people with multiple sclerosis and may worsen fatigue; however, the assessment of sleep-fatigue relationships varies across studies. To better understand sleep-fatigue relationships in this population, we conducted a systematic review and random effects meta-analyses for the associations between fatigue and 10 sleep variables: Sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, insomnia, restless legs, number of awakenings, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, sleep duration, and wake after sleep onset. Of the 1062 studies screened, 46 met inclusion criteria and provided sufficient data for calculating Hedges' g. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Sample characteristics did not differ between the 10 analyses. Results indicated that sleep quality and insomnia (assessed via self-report or diagnostic criteria) were strongly associated with fatigue (all gs ≥ 0.80 and all ps < .001). In contrast, the number of awakenings and sleep duration (assessed objectively) were not significantly associated with fatigue. Remaining sleep variables yielded moderate, significant effects. Most effects did not vary based on study quality or sample demographics. Results highlight that insomnia and perceptions of poor sleep have a stronger link than objective sleep duration to fatigue in multiple sclerosis and may represent a more effective target for intervention.

Fragmentation, circadian amplitude, and fractal pattern of daily-living physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis: Is there relevant information beyond the total amount of physical activity?

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is lower in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) compared to healthy controls. Previous work focused on studying activity levels or activity volume, but studies of daily-living rest-activity fragmentation patterns, circadian rhythms, and fractal regulation in pwMS are limited. Based on findings in other cohorts, one could suggest that these aspects of daily-living physical activity will provide additional information about the health and well-being of pwMS. Therefore, here, we aimed to (1) identify which fragmentation, fractal, and circadian amplitude measures differ between pwMS and healthy controls, (2) evaluate the relationship between fragmentation, fractal, and circadian amplitude measures and disease severity, and (3) begin to evaluate the added value of those measures, as compared to more conventional measures of physical activity (e.g., mean signal vector magnitude (SVM). A global measure of the overall volume of physical activity).

METHODS

132 people with relapsing-remitting MS (47±11 yrs, 69.7% female, Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS, median (IQR): 3 (2-4)) and 90 healthy controls (46±11 yrs, 47.8% female) were asked to wear a 3D accelerometer on their lower back for 7 days. Rest-activity fragmentation, circadian amplitude, fractal regulation, and mean SVM metrics were extracted. PwMS and healthy controls were compared using independent samples t-tests and linear regression, including comparisons adjusted for mean SVM to control for the effect of physical activity volume. Spearman correlations between measures and logistic regressions were used to identify the clinical condition based on the measures that differed significantly after adjusting for SVM. All analyses included adjustments for demographic and clinical parameters (e.g., age, sex).

RESULTS

Multiple measures of activity fragmentation significantly differed between pwMS and healthy controls, reflecting a more fragmented active behavior in pwMS. PwMS had a lower circadian rhythm amplitude, indicating a smaller amplitude in the circadian changes of daily activity, and weaker temporal correlations as based on the fractal analysis. When taking into account physical activity volume, one circadian amplitude measure and one fractal measure remained significantly different in pwMS and controls. Fragmentation measures and circadian amplitude measures were significantly associated with disability level as measured by the EDSS; the association with circadian amplitude remained significant, even after adjusting for the mean SVM.

CONCLUSION

The physical activity patterns of pwMS differ from those of healthy individuals in rest-activity fragmentation, the amplitude of the circadian rhythm, and fractal regulation. Measures describing these aspects of activity provide information that is not captured in the total volume of physical activity and could, perhaps, augment the monitoring of disease progression and evaluation of the response to interventions.

Fatigue, sleepiness and depression in multiple sclerosis: defining the overlaps for a better phenotyping

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To define the boundaries and the overlaps between fatigue, sleepiness and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by using different tools for each dimension, including instrumental sleep analysis.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional, observational study, 71 MS patients (males/females: 20/51; mean age: 48.9 ± 10.5 years) filled in clinical questionnaires and performed polysomnography followed by maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT). Frequency and reciprocal overlap of sleepiness, fatigue and depression in MS were expressed by Eulero-Venn diagrams; standard multiple regression was used to assess the ability of symptoms to predict each other.

RESULTS

There was a high percentage of fatigued (70%), somnolent (45%) and depressed (27%) patients. Fatigue had the strongest overlap and correlated with both depression (beta: 0.52, p < 0.001) and sleepiness (beta: 0.74, p < 0.001). Somnolence and depression were nearly always accompanied by fatigue and were well differentiated from each other by MWT. Four MS subgroups were identified that had: (1) fatigue only; (2) fatigue and sleepiness (3) fatigue and depression; (4) fatigue, sleepiness and depression.

DISCUSSION

The subjective and objective tools are not able to clearly distinguish fatigue from sleepiness and depression, while only a test of vigilance can be helpful in separating somnolence and depression from each other.

Fitness, physical activity, and exercise in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review on current evidence for interactions with disease activity and progression

Background

A moderate to high level of physical activity, including regular exercise, represents an established behavioral and rehabilitative approach for persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Although being increasingly proposed to limit disease activity and progression, high-quality evidence is lacking.

Objective

The objective of the study is to provide valuable information for MS clinicians and researchers by systematically evaluating the current state of evidence (i) whether exercise interventions affect established clinical measures of disease activity and progression in pwMS (i.e., EDSS, relapse rate, lesion load, brain volume, MSFC) and (ii) how the physical activity and fitness level interact with these measures.

Methods

Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Evaluation of evidence quality was done based on standards published by The American Academy of Neurology.

Results

It is likely that exercise improves the MSFC score, whereas the EDSS score, lesion load, and brain volume are likely to remain unchanged over the intervention period. It is possible that exercise decreases the relapse rate. Results from cross-sectional studies indicate beneficial effects of a high physical activity or fitness level on clinical measures which, however, is not corroborated by high evidence quality.

Conclusions

A (supportive) disease-modifying effect of exercise in pwMS cannot be concluded. The rather low evidence quality of existing RCTs underlines the need to conduct more well-designed studies assessing different measures of disease activity or progression as primary end points. A major limitation is the short intervention duration of existing studies which limits meaningful exercise-induced effects on most disability measures. Findings from cross-sectional studies are difficult to contextualize regarding clinical importance due to their solely associative character and low evidence quality.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020188774.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10935-6.

Correlates of Objectively Measured Physical Activity Among People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Identifying correlates of physical activity (PA) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential to design effective PA interventions.

Methods: Participants completed a battery of questionnaires and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer. Light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (min/day) were calculated. Associations were examined using multiple linear regression adjusted for demographic and clinical confounders.

Results: Fifty-eight adults with MS participated (mean ± SD age: 56.8 ± 9.2 yr; 67% women). MS type was associated with time in LPA. Participants with secondary progressive MS (B = −54.0, 95% CI −84.7 to −23.3) and primary progressive MS (B = −42.9, 95% CI −77.5 to −8.3) spent less time in LPA than those with relapsing remitting MS. Walking capacity, assessed using the 12-item MS walking scale (MSWS-12), was associated with time in MVPA (B = −0.36, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.01).

Conclusion: This work identifies walking capacity and type of MS as correlates of PA, which may indicate development of interventions to promote PA.

Objectively-assessed physical activity and self-reported activity pacing in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between self-reported activity pacing (a strategy to manage fatigue symptoms) and objectively-measured physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple sclerosis.

DESIGN

Single cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation centre in Colchester, United Kingdom.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-one adults (59 ± 9 years) with multiple sclerosis.

MAIN MEASURES

Physical activity behaviours (activity level: activity counts per minute; activity variability: highest activity counts per minute each day divided by activity counts per minute on that day) were measured with accelerometers. Self-reported activity pacing (Activity Pacing and Risk of Overactivity Questionnaire), fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale) and health-related quality of life (RAND-12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were measured. Scatter plots were used to explore associations between measures.

RESULTS

Activity level was 258 ± 133 counts per minutes, activity variability was 4 ± 1, self-reported activity pacing was 3 ± 1, fatigue severity was 5 ± 2 and health-related quality of life was 43 ± 8. Increased self-reported activity pacing was associated with lower activity levels and less variability in daily activities.

CONCLUSION

This investigation suggests that people with multiple sclerosis who have low physical activity levels could be inappropriately using activity pacing as a reactionary response to their multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Assessment of Activity Pacing in Relation to Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Foundation for Further Intervention Development

BACKGROUND

Activity pacing is a behavioral strategy for coping with fatigue, optimizing physical activity (PA) levels, and achieving a paced approach to lifestyle and sustainable self-regulated exercise practice to optimize health and well-being. Yet little is known about how activity pacing affects PA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) while controlling for fatigue and demographic characteristics over time in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the natural use of activity pacing and how it is associated with PA and HRQOL over time in adults with MS.

METHODS

Sixty-eight adults with MS (mean ± SD age, 45.2 ± 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on their activity pacing, fatigue, PA, and HRQOL 14, 33, and 52 weeks after rehabilitation. Associations between the variables were examined using multilevel models.

RESULTS

No associations were found between activity pacing and PA (β = -0.01, P = .89) or between activity pacing and HRQOL (β = -0.15, P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an initial understanding of how activity pacing relates to PA and HRQOL in people with MS over time and indicates that there is no clear strategy among adults with MS that is successful in improving PA and HRQOL in the short or long term. Persons with MS may benefit from goal-directed activity pacing interventions to improve longitudinal engagement in PA, and the present study provides a foundation for further intervention development.

Sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the presence of sleep disturbances and their relationship with clinical and demographic variables in patients with MS, with a view to establishing correlations between the different variables and the frequency of sleep disturbances.

METHODS

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to detect sleep disorders. We contacted patients treated at the MS unit and distributed a questionnaire (PSQI) to 221 patients, receiving 142 usable questionnaires between 8 and 30 September 2019.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients with sleep disturbances in our study was 74.7% (73.7% in women and 76.8% in men). Therefore, sleep disorders are pervasive in patients with MS, with 3 out of 4 patients experiencing them, a higher rate than that observed in the population without the disease. The frequency of sleep disorders gradually increased in line with age. In the 2 age groups analyzed, 44-54 years and 55-68 years, the proportion of moderate and severe sleep disorders was 42.8% and 53.9%, respectively. Moderate and severe sleep disturbances were observed in 27.5%, 44.7%, and 58.3% of patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 0-3, 3-6, and >6, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that sleep disorders are more common in patients with MS than in other populations. Patients with secondary progressive forms of MS more frequently present sleep disturbances, while patients with primary progressive forms report them less frequently. Age and degree of disability were positively correlated with the prevalence and severity of sleep disorders in MS patients.

The courses of objective physical activity and the association with sleepiness during a 2-week-on/2-week-off offshore shift rotation: an observational repeated-measures study

BACKGROUND

Offshore workers are assumed to have poor health behaviours, but no studies have yet examined physical activity (PA) during a full offshore shift rotation period, including both work and at home periods. Furthermore, the relationship of PA with sleepiness, a prevalent safety hazard offshore, is not known. This study aimed to examine (1) the courses of objectively measured PA in offshore workers during pre-, offshore and post-offshore periods, and (2) the association between PA and self-reported sleepiness.

METHODS

An observational repeated measures study was conducted among 36 offshore workers during a full 2-week on/2-week off offshore shift rotation. Objective PA was assessed using Daytime Activity Averages (DAA) from actigraph recordings. Sleepiness was assessed using next-morning Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) scores. The courses of PA over time were analysed with Linear Mixed Models (LMM). Parallel LMM were used to assess the longitudinal relationship between PA and sleepiness, both on a between-person and within-person level.

RESULTS

The courses of PA were not significantly different between the pre-, offshore, and post-offshore periods. In addition, between-person trends of PA and sleepiness were not associated (p ranges between 0.08─0.99) and PA did not affect next-morning sleepiness on a within-person level (p = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

PA levels during the offshore working period were not different from PA levels at home. Furthermore, PA was not associated with next-morning sleepiness. Further research should focus on different levels of PA including its intensity level.

Associations between Activity Pacing, Fatigue, and Physical Activity in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross Sectional Study

Fatigue is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Activity pacing is a behavioral way to cope with fatigue and limited energy resources. However, little is known about how people with MS naturally pace activities to manage their fatigue and optimize daily activities. This study explored how activity pacing relates to fatigue and physical activity in people with MS. Participants were 80 individuals (60 females, 20 males) with a diagnosis of MS. The participants filled in questionnaires on their activity pacing, fatigue, physical activity, and health-related quality of life, 3-6 weeks before discharge from rehabilitation. The relationships between the variables were examined using hierarchical regression. After controlling for demographics, health-related quality of life, and perceived risk of overactivity, no associations were found between activity pacing and fatigue (β = 0.20; t = 1.43, p = 0.16) or between activity pacing and physical activity (β = -0.24; t = -1.61, p = 0.12). The lack of significant associations between activity pacing and fatigue or physical activity suggests that without interventions, there appears to be no clear strategy amongst people with MS to manage fatigue and improve physical activity. People with MS may benefit from interventions to manage fatigue and optimize engagement in physical activity.

Is Symptomatic Fatigue Associated With Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis?

Background. Fatigue is a debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that may be associated with reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. Objective. This study examined the associations among fatigue and device-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with MS. Methods. The participants (n = 252) completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and wore a waist-mounted accelerometer for 7 days. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on fatigue severity as measured by the FSS scale. We compared percentage of wear time spent in sedentary, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between the 2 groups. Results. Persons in the fatigued group (FSS score ≥ 4) spent a greater percentage of time in sedentary behavior (P = .004) and a lower percentage of time in LPA (P = .035). Persons in the fatigued group further spent a lower percentage of time in nontransformed MVPA (P < .001) and square-root-transformed MVPA (P < .001) than persons in the nonfatigued group. When controlling for PDDS scores and years of education, there were no longer significant differences between groups in sedentary behavior, LPA, or transformed MVPA values; the difference in nontransformed MVPA was still statistically significant but likely the result of nonnormally distributed data. Conclusion. The present study suggests that factors other than fatigue might be associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior in MS, and this group might benefit from focal behavioral interventions that take into account mobility status in persons with MS who have fatigue.

Positive correlation between functional disability, excessive daytime sleepiness, and fatigue in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

METHOD

Retrospective review of medical records from patients with multiple sclerosis to collect data on severity of fatigue, disability, daytime sleepiness, and depression. From 912 medical records reviewed, 122 reported daytime sleepiness: 67% had relapsing remitting, 12% had primary progressive, and 21% had secondary progressive.

RESULTS

In 95% of the patients with relapsing remitting who complained of daytime sleepiness and fatigue, association was found between these symptoms and neurological disability. Patients with relapsing remitting who complained of daytime sleepiness and fatigue also experienced depression (p = 0.001). No association between fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and disability was found in patients with progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

In relapsing remitting, there is correlation between functional disability, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, a finding not confirmed in primary progressive and secondary progressive form.

The Berlin Treatment Algorithm: recommendations for tailored innovative therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis-related fatigue

More than 80% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffer from fatigue. Despite this, there are few therapeutic options and evidence-based pharmacological treatments are lacking. The associated societal burden is substantial (MS fatigue is a major reason for part-time employment or early retirement), and at least one out of four MS patients view fatigue as the most burdensome symptom of their disease. The mechanisms underlying MS-related fatigue are poorly understood, and objective criteria for distinguishing and evaluating levels of fatigue and tiredness have not yet been developed. A further complication is that both symptoms may also be unspecific indicators of many other diseases (including depression, sleep disorders, anemia, renal failure, liver diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, drug side effects, recent MS relapses, infections, nocturia, cancer, thyroid hypofunction, lack of physical exercise). This paper reviews current treatment options of MS-related fatigue in order to establish an individualized therapeutic strategy that factors in existing comorbid disorders. To ensure that such a strategy can also be easily and widely implemented, a comprehensive approach is needed, which ideally takes into account all other possible causes and which is moreover cost efficient. Using a diagnostic interview, depressive disorders, sleep disorders and side effects of the medication should be identified and addressed. All MS patients suffering from fatigue should fill out the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (or a similar depression scale), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (or the Insomnia Severity Index). In some patients, polygraphic or polysomnographic investigations should be performed. The treatment of underlying sleep disorders, drug therapy with alfacalcidol or fampridine, exercise therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions may be effective against MS-related fatigue. The objectives of this article are to identify the reasons for fatigue in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and to introduce individually tailored treatment approaches. Moreover, this paper focuses on current knowledge about MS-related fatigue in relation to brain atrophy and lesions, cognition, disease course, and other findings in an attempt to identify future research directions.

Central fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature

CONCEPT

Fatigue is a major concern for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A clear definition of MS-related fatigue is a prerequisite for appropriate instruments for fatigue assessment. In turn, accurate assessment of fatigue in MS will enhance exploration of plausible mechanisms underlying this common and distressing symptom. Content/Objectives: To provide an integrative review of the current literature on theoretical models used to study fatigue in MS, instruments used to assess fatigue and other factors that impact fatigue during the various phases of MS.

DATA SOURCES

PUBMED, OVID, Ovid Health Star, Ovid MEDINE, CINAHL, Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), and PsycINFO. Seventeen articles fit the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

RESULTS

Definitions of MS-related fatigue are reviewed. Several studies found a link with neurotransmitter dysfunction, circadian rhythm, and the timing of fatigue. Central fatigue in MS is associated with neurotransmitters disruptions as well as circadian rhythm disorders, but the evidence is not strong. Perceptions of fatigue or fatigability may arise as either a primary or secondary manifestation of disease. Based on findings from the literature review, a theoretical model of fatigue in MS is proposed.

CONCLUSION

Future research on MS-related fatigue may consider a longitudinal design with a carefully selected self-report instrument to advance understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms.

Real-Time Assessment of Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: How Does It Relate to Commonly Used Self-Report Fatigue Questionnaires?

OBJECTIVES

(1) To assess real-time patterns of fatigue; (2) to assess the association between a real-time fatigue score and 3 commonly used questionnaires (Checklist Individual Strength [CIS] fatigue subscale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]); and (3) to establish factors that confound the association between the real-time fatigue score and the conventional fatigue questionnaires in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

MS-specialized outpatient facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Ambulant patients with MS (N=165) experiencing severe self-reported fatigue.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A real-time fatigue score was assessed by sending participants 4 text messages on a particular day (How fatigued do you feel at this moment?; score range, 0-10). Latent class growth mixed modeling was used to determine diurnal patterns of fatigue. Regression analyses were used to assess the association between the mean real-time fatigue score and the CIS fatigue subscale, MFIS, and FSS. Significant associations were tested for candidate confounders (eg, disease severity, work status, sleepiness).

RESULTS

Four significantly different fatigue profiles were identified by the real-time fatigue score, namely a stable high (n=79), increasing (n=57), stable low (n=16), and decreasing (n=13). The conventional questionnaires correlated poorly (r<.300) with the real-time fatigue score. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale significantly reduced the regression coefficient between the real-time fatigue score and conventional questionnaires, ranging from 15.4% to 35%.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived fatigue showed 4 different diurnal patterns in patients with MS. Severity of sleepiness is an important confounder to take into account in the assessment of fatigue.

Systematic Review of Correlates and Determinants of Physical Activity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To review the current evidence regarding correlates and determinants of physical activity (PA) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Scopus (1980 to January 2015) and reference lists of eligible studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Eligible studies include adults with multiple sclerosis; have a cross-sectional or prospective observational design; or examine the effect of a theory-based intervention trial on PA, including a mediation analysis. Eligible studies also apply a quantitative assessment of PA and correlates or proposed mediators and are published in English or German language.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias, extracted data, and categorized variables according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Consistency and the direction of associations were evaluated with a semiquantitative approach. Fifty-six publications with data from observational studies and 2 interventional studies provided evidence for 86 different variables. Consistent correlates of PA were the disability level, walking limitations in particular, PA-related self-efficacy, self-regulation constructs, employment status, and educational level. One interventional study provided evidence for a causal relation between self-regulation and PA. However, 59 of the 86 investigated variables in observational studies are based on 1 or 2 study findings, and most results stem from cross-sectional designs.

CONCLUSIONS

Beside the importance of the general disability level and walking limitations, the results highlight the importance of personal factors (eg, PA-related self-efficacy, self-regulatory constructs, sociodemographic factors). Limitations and implications of the current review are discussed. Research that is more rigorous is needed to better understand what affects PA in pwMS.

Use of Accelerometers to Measure Real-Life Physical Activity in Ambulatory Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) may negatively affect individuals' participation in physical activity (PA). We used accelerometers to determine PA level in individuals with MS with varying degrees of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during regular daily activities.

METHODS

Participants wore an accelerometer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for 7 consecutive days. Activity counts recorded during this period were analyzed in 1-minute epochs and categorized into one of four PA levels: light, moderate, hard, and very hard.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 13 patients with MS and 12 controls. There were significant negative correlations for minutes spent in PA and EDSS measures on weekdays (r = -0.61), weekend (r = -0.64), and full week (r = -0.61) and number of steps taken on weekdays (r = -0.56), weekend (r = -0.80), and full-week average (r = -0.68). Significant positive correlations were found for minutes spent in light PA and EDSS score (r = 0.69). Significant negative correlations were found for minutes spent in moderate and hard PA and EDSS score. No significant difference was seen between the MS group and controls on any parameters (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that accelerometers can be used to objectively quantify PA levels in individuals with MS with different disability levels. This cohort demonstrated that the amount of PA is inversely proportional to the degree of physical disability. Collected data revealed not only the amount but also the intensity of PA performed in real-life circumstances.

The Presence of Symptoms With Comorbid Conditions in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience symptoms that impact comorbid conditions and quality of life (QOL). There is some evidence that symptom severity may vary in certain common health conditions in this population. We aimed to examine symptom severity in light of comorbid conditions commonly seen in individuals with MS (N = 339). Using a cross-sectional Internet survey, we found there was a significant increase in symptom severity of common symptoms of fatigue, imbalance, and weakness, specifically with presence or absence of certain comorbid conditions (depression, arthritis, migraine headaches, coronary artery disease [CAD]). These findings endorse the presence of more severe symptoms with certain comorbid conditions compared with individuals with MS who do not report having comorbid conditions. The findings support the importance of symptom management in individuals with MS who also have comorbid conditions.

The relationship between objective parameters of sleep and measures of fatigue, depression, and cognition in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often report poor sleep, fatigue, sleepiness, depression and cognitive dysfunction. Interrelationships between symptoms and sleep are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To document objective parameters of sleep measured by polysomnography (PSG) and multi-sleep latency tests (MSLTs) in patients experiencing fatigue or sleepiness and to determine whether they correlate with symptoms.

METHODS

Thirty-two MS patients, not on therapy, with fatigue or sleepiness completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Beck Depression Index and NeuroTrax cognitive tests and underwent PSG and MSLTs.

RESULTS

Sleep efficiency (SE) averaged 75.1%. wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep onset latency and multi-sleep latency were 66.2, 43.4 and 10.43 min, respectively. Stage N3 and rapid eye movement sleep were absent in 10 and four patients, respectively. Increased limb movements were observed in eight patients. Obstructive sleep apnea was observed in 12 patients. Neither SE nor WASO correlated with fatigue or sleepiness. SE correlated with the global cognitive score and with executive function and information processing subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 30/32 MS patients reporting fatigue or sleepiness had evidence of one or more sleep disturbances. PSG should be considered in MS patients reporting fatigue or sleepiness in order to rule out treatable disturbances.

Relationships among cognitive impairment, sleep, and fatigue in Parkinson's disease using the MDS-UPDRS

BACKGROUND

Non-motor complications of Parkinson's disease (PD), specifically cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, are recognized as important contributors to poor patient outcomes and quality of life. How sleep problems and fatigue interrelate and impact cognitive function, however, has not systematically been investigated across the stages of PD. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships among cognitive impairment, night-time sleep problems, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue across all severities of PD.

METHODS

We examined these non-motor problems using the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) in a study of 1319 PD patients drawn from three large cohort studies: the Parkinson's Progressive Markers Initiative, the Rush University PD Cognitive-Behavioral-Imaging study, and the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Clinimetric testing program study, which spanned the gamut of disease, from early to advanced PD. Generalized linear mixed models with logit linking functions and covariates including study cohort, age, PD duration, and presence/absence of PD medications were used to examine relationships between these three non-motor symptoms and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Of these three frequent, and often inter-twined, non-motor complications, greater daytime sleepiness and fatigue were associated with worse cognitive impairment across the full spectrum of PD (F[16,1158] = 2.40 and F[16,1158] = 3.45 respectively, p's < 0.0005), but an association with night-time sleep was not detected (p = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Given this association of daytime sleepiness and fatigue with cognitive impairment, clinical monitoring for these problems should be considered across all points in the PD spectrum, from early to more advanced disease.

Sleep disturbances after cerebral infarction: role of depression and fatigue

BACKGROUND

Poststroke sleep disturbances (PSSDs) are frequent and reported to be associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. PSSDs appear to be related to a multitude of factors including lesion location and environmental causes. Moreover, depression and fatigue, which frequently develop in stroke patients may also contribute to PSSD development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of PSSDs and factors related to PSSDs including depression and fatigue in hospitalized stroke patients.

METHODS

Patients who were hospitalized with acute stroke at the Asan Medical Center were evaluated. The quality (Verran-Snyder-Halpern [VSH] Sleep Scale score), duration and latency of night-time sleep, the frequency of waking after sleep onset, and daytime sleepiness were evaluated during the hospitalization period. To validate the self-reported night-time sleep, an actigraphy was performed in a subset of patients. The location, circulation, and laterality of each lesion were determined from brain magnetic resonance images obtained within 7 days of stroke onset. Depression and fatigue were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale, respectively. For environmental factors, the duration of hospitalization and the number of other patients in the same room were recorded. Univariate, multiple regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of PSSD development.

RESULTS

A total of 282 patients completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 62.3 (±12.76) years and 58.9% of them were male. Sixty patients (21.3%) reported sleep duration less than 6 hours/night and 110 (39.0%) reported more daytime sleepiness than before the stroke. In 54 patients who agreed to wear an actigraph, self-reported sleep duration was significantly correlated with time in bed measured with an actigraph (r = .407, P = .002) and, VSH Sleep Scale score and sleep efficiency in actigraphy were also significantly correlated (r = .305, P = .026). Quality of night-time sleep was independently related to cortical lesion location (P = .002), diabetes mellitus (P = .020), and depression (P < .001), whereas increased daytime sleepiness was independently associated with subcortical lesion location (P = .031), fatigue (P = .001), and quality of night-time sleep (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

PSSDs are common in hospitalized stroke patients. The most powerful factor predicting night-time sleep disturbances in stroke patients was depression. Cortical brain lesion and diabetes mellitus were also associated with night-time sleep disturbances. On the other hand, although poststroke daytime sleepiness is in part caused by night-time sleep disturbance, it is more closely associated with fatigue and subcortical lesion location.

Physical activity in subjects with multiple sclerosis with focus on gender differences: a survey

Background

There is increasing research that examines gender-issues in multiple sclerosis (MS), but little focus has been placed on gender-issues regarding physical activity. The aim of the present study was to describe levels of physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, fall-related self-efficacy, social support for physical activity, fatigue levels and the impact of MS on daily life, in addition to investigating gender differences.

Methods

The sample for this cross-sectional cohort study consisted of 287 (84 men; 29.3%) adults with MS recruited from the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Registry. A questionnaire was sent to the subjects consisting of the self-administrated measurements: Physical Activity Disability Survey – Revised, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Falls- Efficacy Scale (Swedish version), Social Influences on Physical Activity, Fatigue Severity Scale and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Response rate was 58.2%.

Results

Men were less physically active, had lower self-efficacy for physical activity and lower fall-related self-efficacy than women. This was explained by men being more physically affected by the disease. Men also received less social support for physical activity from family members. The level of fatigue and psychological consequences of the disease were similar between the genders in the total sample, but subgroups of women with moderate MS and relapsing remitting MS experienced more fatigue than men.

Conclusions

Men were less physically active, probably a result of being more physically affected by the disease. Men being more physically affected explained most of the gender differences found in this study. However, the number of men in the subgroup analyses was small and more research is needed. A gender perspective should be considered in strategies for promoting physical activity in subjects with MS, e.g. men may need more support to be physically active.

Psychiatric symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

This study was intended to identify general psychiatric symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to determine the distribution of these psychiatric symptoms by type of MS and degree of disability.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-two volunteers, 76 MS patients and 76 healthy controls, matched in terms of age, gender, marital status, years spent in education and income, were included. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-R, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Padua Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Eating Attitude Test. Degree of disability was determined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). In addition to being compared between the patient and control groups, scale scores were also compared between groups established on the basis of relapsing-remitting or progressive forms of MS, neurological disability and ambulatory ability. Correlations were determined between EDSS scores and psychiatric scale scores.

RESULTS

In addition to symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep impairment in MS patients, we also determined that less studied symptoms such as somatization, obsession, compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, anger-hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, low self-esteem and distorted eating attitudes were also more frequent compared to the healthy controls. Some symptoms were also more prevalent in progressive MS patients compared to relapsing-remitting subjects. Symptoms increase as degree of disability rises and ambulatory capacity declines.

CONCLUSION

Depressive, anxious and sleep impairment symptoms are not the only ones seen in MS patients; other psychiatric symptoms are also common. Further studies are needed to investigate the frequency and causes of these little-investigated symptoms. As seen in patients with a progressive course and greater neurological disability, more psychiatric symptoms develop in patients with more severe disease.

Sleep disturbances in patients with multiple sclerosis

Sleep disturbances constitute one of the important yet underestimated aspects of functioning of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbances in patients with MS, with regard to demographic factors, disease-related variables, co-existing conditions and fatigue. In 100 MS patients, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and a questionnaire about sleep disturbances (SlD) were implemented. ESS and SlD results were analyzed with regard to age, gender, duration of MS, type of its course, degree of disability in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), MS therapies, coexisting diseases, results of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). ESS score indicated increased daytime sleepiness in 19 patients. In SlD, 49 subjects reported sleep disturbances and 35 more than one of their kind (most commonly terminal and middle insomnia). No relationships were found between ESS and SlD scores and age, gender, MS duration, type of its course, EDSS or coexisting diseases. In 36 patients, somatic complaints interfered with sleep. The patients with depression had significantly lower ESS result and those currently treated with immunomodulation had significantly lower SlD score. SlD score correlated positively with FSS and MFIS. Sleep disturbances in MS patients may occur independently from demographic and disease-related variables, but they are often influenced by the symptoms of MS and therapies used. Sleep disturbances may contribute to fatigue in the course of MS.

Sleepiness, fatigue, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea using the STOP-BANG questionnaire in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

PURPOSE

This study aims: (1) to identify patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by utilizing the STOP-BANG questionnaire and (2) to evaluate the relationship between OSA risk as determined by the STOP-BANG questionnaire and self-reported sleepiness and fatigue using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively.

METHODS

A total of 120 consecutive patients presenting to the UC Davis Neurology MS Clinic were invited to participate in an anonymous survey. The exclusion criteria were: age <18 years, indefinite MS diagnosis, or incomplete survey.

RESULTS

There were 103 subjects included in our study: 42% of subjects (n = 43) met the criteria for high-risk OSA, 69% of subjects (n = 71) screened high for fatigue (FSS ≥ 4), but only 24 subjects (23%) screened high for excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10). In males, 44% of the variation in ESS scores and 63% in FSS scores were explained by the STOP-BANG components. However, only 17% of the variation in ESS scores and 15% of the variation in FSS scores was explained by the STOP-BANG components in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 40% of MS patients were identified as high risk for OSA based on the STOP-BANG questionnaire. The STOP-BANG questionnaire offers clinicians an efficient and objective tool for improving detection of OSA risk in MS patients.

Management options in multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the CNS. Its characteristic early clinical course includes exacerbations and remissions of neurologic disability. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and is associated with a reduced quality of life; it is described as the worst symptom of the disease by 50 - 60% of patients. Yet, due to limitations of available evidence, current therapeutic approaches for treating fatigue are based mainly on preliminary studies and expert consensus.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiopathology, diagnosis and therapeutic options for MS-associated fatigue, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Large, rigorously designed trials can provide more reliable results on the efficacy of interventions for fatigue, their functional impact on everyday activities and patient quality of life. Future research should also address a better understanding of the physiopathologic mechanisms of fatigue and the development and validation of objective assessment tools to be used together with patient self-ratings.

Functional treatments in multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding and management of symptoms and dysfunctions associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

RECENT FINDINGS

A broad spectrum of dysfunctions associated with MS are under investigation. Research published in the past year and a half addresses gait dysfunction, exercise training, fatigue, bowel/bladder and sexual dysfunction, and sleep disruption. Functional electrical stimulation and strength training have been validated for improvement in gait and motor function. Exercise training has been shown to benefit mood and quality of life scores and to reduce circulating inflammatory cytokine levels. Fatigue remains a challenging problem with incremental improvements in understanding of underlying causes and effective drug therapies offered by recent work. Treatment of bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction utilizing a variety of modalities has been investigated with some progress.

SUMMARY

In the absence of treatments to reverse neurologic injury due to MS, effective symptom management and functional improvement remain essential to mitigate disability and maintain quality of life. Basic research, as well as controlled clinical trials, in this realm offers promising insights and solutions.