The influence of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the physical activity of people with multiple sclerosis. The role of online training

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has affected people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) on various levels. Pandemic lockdown influenced the access to typical measures of physical activity such as out-door training or gym exercises. METHODS: We performed a survey assessing physical activity during pandemic lockdown among PwMS treated in our MS center. The questionnaire encompassed questions regarding physical activity before and during lockdown, including the employment of online technologies. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 262 PwMS. Physical activity before lockdown was declared by 74.4% of PwMS, regular exercises were declared by 30.9% of participants. Among physically active PwMS 50.5% limited their physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown. The decrease in physical activity was reported more frequently by PwMS with higher levels of disability, particularly declaring regular exercises before lockdown. In the opinion of 39,7% of PwMS online training could replace standard exercises, however only 19,9% of PwMS were actively looking for online training during the lockdown. The interest in online exercise was greatest in the group ≤30 years of age and EDSS ≤2. Synchronous exercises were the preferred online training, particularly among PwMS with EDSS≥4. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a need for systematic educational and organizational measures, promoting physical activity among PwMS and acknowledging pandemic conditions.