Recent findings support previous studies on the activities of daily living in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effect of aerobic exercise on independence regarding instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in this population. 62 adults with MS completed an incremental exercise test as a measure of aerobic fitness (peak oxygen consumption), a demographic questionnaire, and an IADL scale and underwent a neurologic examination for characterization of disability level (ie, Expanded Disability Status Scale) in a single session. Researchers found:
- The analysis revealed a weak but significant association between aerobic fitness and total IADL score ( r=0.28).
- Those reporting dependence in different IADL categories (eg, shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and responsibility for own medication) presented with lower aerobic fitness compared with those reporting independence, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Sebastião E, Pilutti LA, Motl RW. Aerobic fitness and instrumental activities of daily living in people with multiple sclerosis. A cross-sectional study . Int J MS Care . 2019;21(1):23-28. doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2017-078.