Pohybová aktivita osob s roztroušenou sklerózou a vliv pandemie COVID-19.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurodegenerative disease. In which, in addition to pharmacotherapy, regimen measures play an integral role in complex therapy, including physical activity. Many clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effect of regular physical activity on on the symptoms of the disease, yet people with the disease seem to be insufficiently physically active. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the level of and type of physical activity that people with MS in the Czech Republic engage in, and how their exercise regimen was affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Methodology: The study was realized in the form of an international questionnaire survey. Only results from Czech patients are presented in this paper. Results: A total of 265 people with MS (55 men) participated in the study, from newly diagnosed to chronic stage patients (with disease duration of more than 20 years). The majority of respondents (more than 80%) engaged in some form of exercise, with walking, health exercises or cycling being the most common activities. However, only 64% were meeting the recommended amount of exercise according to the guidelines. The use of modern technology in exercise activities also increased significantly during the pandemic. Conclusion: Information on patients' usual exercise regimens can help neurologists and rehabilitation professionals to better plan exercise and physical activities for this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]