A study led by the University of Eastern Finland has discovered that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) experience lower levels of fatigue when they are in better physical condition and engage in higher daily activity. The study also revealed that lower disability rates were linked to reduced fatigue. These findings were published in the esteemed journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but evaluating its impact on patients’ daily lives can be difficult. The study aimed to explore the connection between fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and their physical activity levels measured by accelerometers, as well as their level of disability.

The study utilized various measurement methods, including an accelerometer to measure physical activity, two different meters (MFIS and FSS) to measure fatigue, and two methods (EDSS and MSFC) to assess disability. Additionally, the study involved various physical performance tests.

Patients with a disability level of 0–2.5, considered moderately low, had higher fatigue levels than healthy controls, but lower fatigue levels than patients with a higher disability level (EDSS 3-5.5). There was a significant relationship found between fatigue and disability, as well as between daily physical activity and fatigue. A lower disability level, better physical condition, and higher daily activity were predictive of lower fatigue levels.

Fatigue plays a significant role in MS and has a strong impact on, for example, patients’ ability to work and premature retirement. This is of great importance socially.

“The findings are interesting and support previous studies very well,” says Doctoral Researcher Marko Luostarinen of the University of Eastern Finland. “Patients with MS should find a suitable form of exercise, taking into account their disability, which maintains their functional capacity and reduces fatigue.”

“This study is unique because it was large and used modern methods. However, more detailed research into patients’ disability and actual physical activity levels is needed,” points out Luostarinen.