Bandera, Victoria Maria, authorFling, Brett, advisorLeach, Heather, advisorDiehl, Manfred, committee member2021-06-072021-06-072021https://hdl.handle.net/10217/232505Background: Approximately 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience impaired balance and mobility. The optimal duration, type and intensity of physical activity (PA) to improve balance and gait is not well understood. Purpose: Examine associations between PA duration, type and intensity with balance and gait in PwMS and neurotypical controls. Methods: Twenty-four PwMS and twenty-one neurotypical controls reported their typical PA routine, including duration [(days/week)x(minutes/bout)], type (aerobic, resistance and/or plyometric (R/P) and yoga), and intensity (rating of perceived exertion (RPE) 6-20). Balance was assessed by the mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest). Gait speed was measured by the two-minute walk test at a normal pace and a fast pace. Pearson's and Spearman's correlations examined associations among PA variables, balance, and gait speed. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests examined differences in gait speeds and balance, between participants who did vs. did not perform each PA type. MANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared gait and balance performance in participants who reported ≥150 PA minutes/week, and vigorous PA (RPE > 14) vs. those who did not. Results: No significant associations were found between PA duration and any outcomes in either group. Conversely, PA intensity was significantly associated with reactive postural control, rs(24) = .458, p < .05, sensory orientation, rs (24) = .487, p < .05, and dynamic gait, rs(24) = .429, p < .05, and anticipatory postural control in neurotypical controls, rs(21) = .476, p < .05. As for PA type, self-reported habitual R/P was associated with nearly significantly superior dynamic gait performance in PwMS, p = .07, but significantly lower normal gait speed in neurotypical controls, p < .05. Participants who met and/or exceeded the 150-minute per week PA guideline did not have differences in any outcomes. Habitually vigorous PA was associated with significantly improved anticipatory postural control, H(1) = 5.86, p < .05, and nearly significantly improved Mini-BEST scores in neurotypical participants H(1) = 3.273, p = 0.07. Minimally clinically important differences in fast gait speed (> 0.10 m/s) were found in neurotypical participants habitually performing vigorous PA compared to light-to-moderate PA. Conclusions: These findings suggest PA intensity and participation in R/P and yoga are associated with better balance and gait performance. Future studies should reevaluate these associations incorporating PA intensity measured by self-report perceived intensity and objectively measured, and incorporating R/P training into PA routines to improve balance and gait outcomes in PwMS.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.gaitmultiple sclerosispostural controlmobilitybalancephysical activityText