Activity monitor use among persons with multiple sclerosis: Report on rate, pattern, and association with physical activity levels

BACKGROUND: Commercially available activity monitors are a promising approach for tracking and changing physical activity in multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: This study reports on the rate and pattern of activity monitor use in persons with multiple sclerosis, and compares self-reported physical activity levels between persons who do wear and those who do not wear activity monitors. METHODS: Participants completed a cross-sectional survey that included a demographic and clinical characteristics scale, activity monitor use questionnaire, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for measuring total and health-promoting physical activity. RESULTS: Of the 629 participants who completed the full survey, 249 (40%) reported using an activity monitor. The most common activity monitors were Fitbit, Apple watch, iPhone, and Garmin. There was a significant (p < 0.05), moderate difference (d = 0.5) in GLTEQ total scores between activity monitor users (36.6 ± 23.9) and non-users (25.0 ± 22.2), and in GLTEQ Health Contribution Score between activity monitor users (25.6 ± 22.3) and non-users (14.6 ± 18.9) (p < 0.05, d = 0.5). Self-reported steps from the activity monitor were significantly correlated with GLTEQ total score (ρ = 0.45; r = 0.36) and GLTEQ Health Contribution Score (ρ = 0.41; r = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Activity monitor use is common among persons with multiple sclerosis, and activity monitor users report more total and health-promoting physical activity; this warrants further research investigating how devices may be used as a behavioral intervention tool.