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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
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Sedentary behavior is associated with disability status and walking performance, but not cognitive function, in
Elizabeth A Hubbard1, Robert W Motl
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Summary
Increased sedentary time in multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to greater disability and poorer walking performance. This study highlights the impact of inactivity on mobility in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting mobility and daily function.
- Sedentary behavior is a growing concern in chronic disease management, but its specific impact in MS requires further elucidation.
- Objective measurement of sedentary time using accelerometry offers a reliable approach to quantify inactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between objectively measured sedentary time and key functional outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- To assess correlations between sedentary time and disability status, walking performance, and cognitive function in an MS cohort.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) were enrolled.
- Accelerometers were used to objectively measure daily sedentary time (in minutes per day).
- Participants completed standardized assessments for disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale), walking (Timed 25-foot Walk, 6-minute Walk), and cognition (Symbol Digit Modalities Test).
Main Results:
- Objectively measured sedentary time showed significant positive correlations with disability status scores (r = 0.31, p < 0.01).
- Increased sedentary time was significantly associated with poorer walking performance, including shorter 6-minute walk distances (r = -0.40, p < 0.01) and slower Timed 25-foot Walk times (r = 0.35, p < 0.01).
- No significant correlation was found between sedentary time and cognitive function performance (r = -0.12, p = 0.29).
Conclusions:
- Objectively measured sedentary time is a significant correlate of disability and impaired walking performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- These findings underscore the importance of addressing sedentary behavior to potentially improve mobility and function in MS.
- Further research should explore interventions to reduce sedentary time and mitigate its negative effects on physical function in MS.
