Exercise can alleviate MS symptoms and improve quality of life. 

This cross-sectional survey was distributed to pwMS (9/2018-4/2019). The survey queried 1) demographics, 2) MS treatment therapies, and 3) exercise. For this study, exercise modalities were considered conventional (swimming, walking, water aerobics, cardiovascular, strength training, stretching) or M-B (yoga and tai chi). Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between respondent characteristics and conventional exercise or M-B use.

8,149 surveys were distributed. Completed surveys (≥75% items complete) were analyzed (n=1,010). Response rate is indeterminate as many recipients received multiple survey queries. The majority of respondents (82%) reported currently exercising. Compared to those with minimal-to-no disability, the odds of exercising were 46% lower for respondents requiring a walker (OR 0.54; 95%CI: 0.29-0.98) and 66% lower for respondents unable to walk (OR 0.34; 95%CI: 0.17-0.68). Seventeen percent of respondents reported currently using M-B. MS duration, education, and sex were all associated with the use of M-B; women were more likely to use these modalities than men (OR 2.63; 95%CI: 1.56-4.35), as were those with higher levels of education (OR 2.98; 95%CI: 1.23-7.23). For every additional 5 years with MS, the odds of practicing yoga or tai chi decreased by 10% (OR 0.90; 95%CI: 0.82-1). 

PwMS with greater disability are less likely to exercise. Use of M-B was not impacted by disability, but M-B use was greater in women, those with more education, and those with a shorter time since MS diagnosis. Future studies should explore ways to enhance exercise and M-B therapy participation across the range of PwMS.