Associations of Physical Activity, Muscle Mass and Protein-Rich Food Consumption with Functional Fitness in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.

backgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, characterised by high variability in both its progression and symptoms. The disease leads to progressive disability, which manifests itself as slow walking, low muscle mass and impaired manual dexterity, causing difficulties in performing everyday activities and reducing a patient's social activity and quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships between muscle mass, physical activity and the food frequency of protein-rich products and the functional fitness of patients with MS.

methodsThe study comprised 106 patients with MS (83 women and 23 men) aged 18-65 years. Measurements of their weight and body composition, motor function of the lower limbs using the Timed 25-Foot Walking Test (T25FW), and motor function of the upper limbs using the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and the Handgrip Strength (HGS) test were performed. Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the consumption frequency of protein-rich products were also assessed.

resultsLow muscle mass was associated with worse performance in the HGS test (non-dominant hand

conclusionsRegular physical activity is associated with better functional fitness, while more frequent consumption of protein-rich foods may be associated with higher muscle mass of major muscle groups, which is important for effective locomotion. This study has a cross-sectional and exploratory design; therefore, the findings reflect associations only and do not allow casual inferences.