Physical activity and functional limitations in pediatric multiple sclerosis: Are fatigue and depression confounding variables?

Purpose: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with risk for functional limitations defined as the perceived reduction in capacity for undertaking activities of daily living. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been associated with less frequent and less impactful functional limitations, but the symptoms of fatigue and depression have not been considered as potential confounding variables. This study examined whether fatigue and depression confound the association between MVPA and functional limitations among youth with pediatric MS.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on an international rehabilitation study in MS: the CogEx experience.

Pandemic restrictions have led to changes in therapy plans and disrupted rehabilitation services for people with multiple sclerosis. CogEx is an international, multicentre MS dual-intervention (cognitive rehabilitation, aerobic exercise) randomized, controlled rehabilitation trial confined to people with progressive disease. The primary outcome is cognition (processing speed).

The emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Individuals with pre-existing chronic illness have shown increased anxiety and depression due to COVID-19. Here, we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional symptomatology and quality of life in individuals with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PMS).

Methods: Data were obtained during a randomized clinical trial on rehabilitation taking place at 11 centers in North America and Europe.

Food outlet accessibility and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Purpose: To examine if spatial access to healthy and unhealthy outlets comprising the local food environment was associated with fruit and vegetable consumption.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Population-based sample residing in Hawaii.

A Research Agenda to Examine the Efficacy and Relevance of the Transtheoretical Model for Physical Activity Behavior.

Regular physical activity (PA) decreases the risk of several chronic diseases including some cancers, type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease; however, the majority of US adults are not meeting the recommended levels to experience these benefits. To address this public health concern, the underlying mechanisms for behavior change need to be understood, translated and disseminated into appropriately tailored interventions. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) provides a framework for both the conceptualization and measurement of behavior change, as well as facilitating promotion strategies that are individualized and easily adapted.

Investigating fruit and vegetable consumption using the transtheoretical model.

Purpose: Test the applicability of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to adult fruit/vegetable consumption.

Design: Cross-sectional random-digit dial survey.

Setting: Hawaii.

Measuring physical activity self-regulation strategies in older adults.

Background: Theoretically, self-regulatory strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring) are an important influence of behavior change, but very little research has examined the relationship between self-regulation and physical activity (PA) behavior.