Multiple Sklerozlu Bireylerde İnterosepsiyon ile Fiziksel Aktivite ve Duygu Durum Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between interoception, physical activity, and emotional state in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).The study included 44 participants aged between 20-60 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranging lower than 5.5, who had not experienced a relapse in the last 3 months and had been diagnosed with MS by a neurologist. Comprehensive physical and cognitive assessments were conducted for all participants. Initially, demographic information was collected. Physical activity was assessed self-reported by using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and objectively assessed using the SenseWear activity monitor over a week period. Perceived fatigue was assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale, while measured fatigue was evaluated with the 6-Minute Walk Test. Interoception was measured using the Interoceptive Sensory Scale. Anxiety was assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, depression with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and alexithymia with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The average age of the participants was 45.27±8.53 years, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.49±4.77, and the average disease duration was 13.8±6.28 years. Analysis of the relationship between interoception and demographic information revealed a statistically significant positive low correlation with disease duration (r=0.298 and p<0.005). No statistically significant relationships were found between interoception and both objectively and subjectively measured physical activity (p>0.005). Examination of the relationships between interoception and fatigue revealed a statistically significant positive good correlation with the Fatigue Impact Scale (r=0.679 and p<0.005) and a positive moderate correlation with the Fatigue Severity Scale (r=0.412 and p<0.005). No statistically significant relationships were found between interoception and measured fatigue,anxiety, depression, or alexithymia (p>0.005). The findings of this study demonstrate that interoception influences perceived fatigue.The data suggest that interoception may indirectly affect physical activity, thereby highlighting the importance of considering interoception in both evaluation and treatment within clinical practice.