Research Project

Physical Activity in Women with Multiple Sclerosis and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This remote study will compare the levels of physical activity among women with multiple sclerosis (MS) with and without generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and compare the relationship between physical activity levels and anxiety symptoms between the two groups.

Principal Investigator: Motl, Robert
Start Date: 2025-06-17
End Date: 2025-11-30
Research Area(s): Active Projects; KN Research; Rehabilitation

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent yet undertreated among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Further, both MS and GAD affect women in higher proportion than men. Current treatments of GAD in MS include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, however, the evidence of efficacy of these treatments is significantly lacking. This emphasizes a need for development of alternative treatment approaches, and physical activity may be a promising approach to treat symptoms of GAD, characterized by chronic anxiety and worry, in persons with MS. The initial step in development of physical activity interventions for managing anxiety in MS includes a focused examination of physical activity rates in persons with MS and GAD, and then the association between physical activity levels and anxiety symptoms severity compared to persons with MS without GAD. This study will provide preliminary evidence and better understanding of physical activity and its association with anxiety symptoms in women with MS and GAD.