CONFISEP: Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown on patients with multiple sclerosis in the north of France

The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on exercise and the role of online exercise in Australians with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Regular exercise is beneficial for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), regardless of disability level. The previously reported differential effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on exercise levels in this population remains unexplained. We examined effects of lockdowns on exercise in Australians with MS according to disability levels, lockdown severity and health technology use.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of people with MS in Australia (22 April-23 September 2021) collected demographic and clinical information as well as exercise patterns before and during lockdowns. Mann-Whitney was used to compare ordinal data and Likelihood Ratio to compare dichotomous data.

RESULTS

151 people completed the survey. 72.2% had mild disability and 25.2% moderate disability. Extended lockdowns were associated with significantly decreased sedentary behaviour (31.5% to 25.9%) but also with decreased exercise frequency in frequent exercisers (≥3 times/week; 53.7% to 22.2%). The latter occurred significantly more in those with mild disability (-22.7%) than with moderate disability (-3.5%). More people with mild disability walked for exercise pre-pandemic (LR 8.6, p=.004) and during lockdowns (LR 6.6, p=.010). Walking during lockdowns was positively associated with working from home. People with moderate disability were more likely to engage in home exercise both pre-pandemic (LR 5.5, p=.019) and during lockdown (LR 5.2, p=.023). Engagement in home exercise rose for both groups during lockdowns and was facilitated by on-line exercise classes.

CONCLUSION

Lockdowns differentially affected exercise patterns according to disability level. The proportion of people achieving exercise recommendations decreased more in those with mild but not moderate disability. Incidental physical activity was disproportionately impacted in people with moderate disability.

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an update on progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly referred to as primary progressive MS and secondary progressive MS. It discusses the importance of diagnosing and detecting progression early, the similarities between progressive forms, challenges in detecting progression, factors that could augment progression, and the importance of disease-modifying therapies in patients with evidence of active progressive MS. It also discusses the overall care of progressive MS.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathogenesis of primary progressive MS and secondary progressive MS is overlapping, and in both presentations, patients with relapses or focal MRI activity are classified as having active, progressive MS. All currently approved disease-modifying therapies are indicated for active secondary progressive MS. The therapeutic opportunity of anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of progressive MS is enhanced in those who are younger and have a shorter disease duration. Vascular comorbidities may contribute to progression in MS.

SUMMARY

Several challenges remain in the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of progressive MS. Early identification of active progressive MS is needed to maximize treatment benefit. The advantages of optimal comorbidity management (eg, hypertension, hyperlipidemia) in delaying progression are uncertain. Clinical care guidelines for advanced, severe MS are lacking.