Compensatory behavior in MS

Abstract

Methods: Data from 12 participants was retrospectively analyzed for differences in inactive time, step count, standing time, sedentary time and sleep time in MS and healthy controls at the beginning (first 3 months) and ending (last 3 months) of the exercise intervention on resting days, days of endurance training and HIIT days. Results: Although there are no significant differences, PwMS spent 3 ±36 min more inactive per day and take 3124 ±4845 steps less than HC at the end of the intervention (post) on HIIT days. In the other remaining conditions PwMS take more steps and spent less time inactive. However, the time spent sedentary is higher in PwMS in every condition, except for pre HIIT days (36.6 ±234 min) and post endurance training days (24 ±282 min). PwMS show a non-significant increase in time spent inactive per day (+15.6 ± 82.2 min), a decrease in step count (-144 ±8169 steps) and an increase in time spent sedentary (+43.8 ±85.8 min) following HIIT. Conclusion: An increase in inactive time, reduced steps and increased sedentary behavior shows the possibility that compensatory behavior can be one of the reasons why a periodized training program does not improve cardiovascular risk in PwMS.