Resilience Indirectly Affects Functional Capabilities Through Physical Activity Engagement in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: The role of resilience on functional outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been debated. One theorized pathway is that healthy lifestyle behaviors contribute to better functioning capabilities, which resilient individuals with MS tend to engage in more. This study aimed to explore whether resilience might influence functioning in individuals with MS indirectly through specific lifestyle behaviors.

Methods: Participants (N = 64) were individuals with MS who completed measures assessing resilience (Multiple Sclerosis Resiliency Scale; MSRS), lifestyle behaviors (Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and functional capabilities (PROMIS Physical Function-Short Form 20a; PROMIS-PF). Mediation models were constructed with the MSRS as the independent variable and significant individual lifestyle behaviors as the mediators, and PROMIS-PF as the dependent variable, with demographics and disease-related factors as covariates.

Results: Physical activity was the only lifestyle behavior associated with functioning capabilities (ρ = 0.43, P < .001). Resilience had a significant indirect effect on functioning through physical activity (b = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.32). Its corresponding direct effect was not significant (b = -0.02, P = .860).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that resilience indirectly influences functioning through engagement in physical activity. The results highlight the important role of resilience in promoting well-being among individuals with MS.