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DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606428
Physical activity impacts positively on depression and objective sleep in patients with MS
Publication History
Publication Date:
12 September 2017 (online)
Background:
There is growing evidence that regular physical activity has a favorable effect on psychological functioning and sleep. However, as regards patients with MS, evidence is still scarce. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the impact of a regular physical activity program on psychological functioning and subjective and objective sleep in patients with MS.
Methods:
A total of 14 patients (mean age about 40 years; EDSS: 2 – 5) took part in this longitudinal and four weeks lasting intervention study. At baseline and 4 weeks later, patients completed self-rating scores covering depression, mental toughness and subjective sleep. Further, sleep was assessed via sleep-EEG-recordings at both time points. Patients had physical activity programs every weekday for 1 to 4 hours.
Results:
Compared to baseline, at the end of the study symptoms of depression and sleep complaints decreased. Objective sleep onset latency decreased, slow wave sleep increased and the number of awakenings decreased, resulting in a more stable objective sleep.
Conclusions:
In patients with MS, regular physical activity has the potential to impact positively on psychological functioning and bot subjective and objective sleep.
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