Smith, Moira, Flavell, Carol, van Eijk, Liza, and McGuckin, Teneale (2026) Running Participation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. (In Press)

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Abstract

Context: Exercise benefits people with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, most research focuses on gym or home-based aerobic and strength training. Little is known about how individuals with MS participate in dynamic sports like running. We aimed to quantify running participation over a 4-week period in individuals with MS and investigate whether running volume and training characteristics were associated with fatigue, disability, cognition, and quality of life. Design: A prospective observational cohort study. Methods: We included 29 participants from Australia who were regular runners with MS. Participants recorded their running frequency, intensity, duration, distance, and mode (indoor/outdoor/treadmill) over 4 weeks. Associations between participants’ running activities, and measures of fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), disability (Patient Determined Disease Steps), cognition (Psytoolkit online cognitive assessment), and physical and mental health (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54) were assessed using Spearman or Kendall τ b correlation coefficients. Results: Participants with low to moderate disability demonstrated a broad range of running ability (range: average distance 2–13 km and 16–95 min per run). Most ran outdoors on combination surfaces (concrete, grass, and trail). Negative correlations were observed between fatigue and running distance (r = −.382, P = .041) and running duration (r = −.365, P = .052). Positive correlations were observed between running distance and quality of life, physical health (r = .380, P = .042), and mental health (r = .375, P = .045). Correlations were not significant after applying the corrected significance value of P < .0025. Conclusion: Regular running is feasible for individuals with MS with low to moderate disability. Participants demonstrated the ability to run despite differing levels of fatigue, cognitive function, and disability. Participants could engage in outdoor running under conditions considered challenging for those with MS. A relationship between running distance, duration, fatigue, and quality of life was identified; however, the findings were not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons.

Item ID:	94050
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1543-3072
Copyright Information:	© 2026 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Date Deposited:	23 Sep 2026 07:39
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420106 Physiotherapy @ 80% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4207 Sports science and exercise > 420799 Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified @ 20%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200599 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) not elsewhere classified @ 80% 20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200199 Clinical health not elsewhere classified @ 20%
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