Science News: Physical Activity in People With Motor Neuron Disease: Validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly as a Measuring Tool

Submitted by: Rebecca O’Bryan, MD
Edited by: Eman Tawfik, MD          
 
Sia T, Connors KA, Morgan P. Physical Activity in People With Motor Neuron Disease: Validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly as a Measuring Tool. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023;104(1):102-107. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2022.09.007
 
Summary: This prospective, observational study investigated the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) as a tool to measure physical activity in patients with motor neuron disease (MND). The PASE is a brief questionnaire that assesses the type, frequency, duration, and intensity of the physical activities chosen by the patient over the previous week to assign a score ranging from 0-793, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity.

The authors aimed to compare the PASE with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R), and to identify the demographic and clinical factors that predict physical activity participation. The study included 190 patients with MND. The results showed that engagement of patients with MND in physical activity is generally low, with median PASE score of 57. The PASE had a fair-moderate correlation with ALSFRS-R (rho .607). The most frequently chosen physical activities for patients with MND were activities around home, and the biggest barrier to participation is fatigue. 
 
Comments: This article suggests another tool to assess physical function in patients with MND. The study shows relationship to disease severity to be the strongest predictor of physical activity, which is to be expected. The suggested PASE tool being brief and easily administered facilitates its application in daily clinical practice.