Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders · Oct 2026
Physical Activity and Multiple Sclerosis in Morocco: Impact on Symptoms and Disability Status of Patients
By Amgharia HB, Lotfi R, Galman A et al.
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease whose progression can be influenced by physical activity (PA). In Morocco, however, data on PA and its impact on MS patients' symptoms and disability status remain limited. Objective This study aims to assess the level of physical activity among people with MS in Morocco and to identify associations between PA and the clinical characteristics of the disease, particularly symptoms and disability. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 148 MS patients from all regions of Morocco between February and May 2024. Data were collected via an online questionnaire covering sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, PA level (GLTEQ), and degree of disability (PDDS). Bivariate (Chi-squared test and Student's t-test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed. Results The majority of participants were women (74%), with a mean age of 35.8 ± 10.2 years. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) accounted for 75% of cases. The results revealed that 63.5% of patients were physically inactive, with this figure increasing with age, reaching 74% in those aged 53 and over. The most common symptoms were fatigue (94%), pain (64%), and cognitive impairment (73%). In terms of disability, 61.5% of patients had mild disability, 16.9% had moderate disability, and 21.6% had severe disability. Multivariate analyses revealed that physical inactivity was significantly associated with severe fatigue (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.78–6.68, p < 0.001), moderate-to-severe pain (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.52–5.49, p = 0.001), and high disability (OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.01–8.44, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study highlights a concerning level of physical inactivity among Moroccan patients with MS, which is linked to worsening symptoms and a greater degree of disability. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote PA as a complementary treatment in the multidisciplinary management of MS.