Article

Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience several physical and
cognitive problems which can influence their travel behaviour. This study aimed
to document the number of activities, the activity type and the transport mode of
the related trips that are daily made by PwMS. Their outdoor activity and travel
behaviour was studied in relation to disease-related disability. METHODS: Thirty
six PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS, 1.5-8.0, age 27-63) and 24
healthy controls (age 25-62) were studied, using activity-related travel diaries
and GPS tracking devices. Information about overall disability characteristics
was gained by standard clinical tests and questionnaires. PwMS were further
divided in three subgroups based on EDSS cut-off scores 4.5 and 6.5. RESULTS:
Persons with mild ambulatory dysfunction (EDSS 1.5-4.0, n = 17) showed similar
travel characteristics to healthy controls, with few restrictions during
travelling. Statistically significant changes in activity and travel behaviour
were detected in the moderate (EDSS 4.5-6.5, n = 8) and severe MS subgroups (EDSS
> 6.5-8.0, n = 11) compared with healthy controls: driving independently became
less frequent, significant more trips were made with company and the duration of
performed activities had increased. CONCLUSION: The combination of self-reported
travel diaries and objective GPS loggers offered detailed information about the
actual outdoor travel behaviour of PwMS, which was significantly changed in PwMS
with EDSS greater than 4. Implications for Rehabilitation Activity and travel
behaviour changes significantly in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) with
moderate to severe disability (EDSS greater than 4). Behavioural therapy could
help to develop better coping and problem-solving skills to overcome anxiety in
the making of trips by persons with MS with a mild severity. Enhancing community
environments could serve as a promising approach to increase the outdoor
participation of persons with (more severe) impairments.

Langue : ANGLAIS