Impact of physical activity level on alexithymia and coping strategies in an over-40 multiple sclerosis population: A pilot study

Introduction. - The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity on alexithymia pad coping strategies among people with multiple sclerosis aged over 40. The hypotheses were that physical activity should have a protective effect on alexithymia, and more particularly, on "emotional identification" and could influence coping strategies because it can be considered as a distractive coping strategy. Methods. - Thirty-Seven patients aged 40 years or older were asked to complete a form including an identification sheet and standardized questionnaires: the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (version B), the Coping with Health Injuries and Problem Questionnaire, the Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. - The participants with a high or moderate level of physical activity used "information research" as a coping strategy better than those who had a lower level of physical activity. They also analyzed their emotions better. The results revealed an association between these variables and anxiety, depression and fatigue. Discussion. - This study provides insight for future research about the impact of physical activity on multiple sclerosis. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.