Built-environment correlates of physical activity in youth with multiple sclerosis

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) among youth with multiple sclerosis (MS) associate with lower levels of disease activity, and better psychosocial outcomes. Yet, youth with MS remain inactive. Built-environment features may explain low PA and inform intervention design.

This cross-sectional study examined associations between built-environment features and PA levels among youth with MS.

Youth (⩽18 years) with MS completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for overall PA and a health contribution score (HCS; moderate & vigorous PA) in metabolic equivalents (METs). Built-environment features (intersections, green space, Walk/Transit Score) were linked to postal codes using the CANUE repository. Associations were analyzed using Spearman's correlation.

Our sample included 59 youth (median age 15 ± 3 years; 61% female). Median GLTEQ and HCS scores were 43 ± 44 and 35 ± 42 METs/minutes/week. Greater greenspace at 500 m positively associated with GLTEQ and HCS (r_s = 0.33, p = 0.012; r_s = 0.30, p = 0.020). Number of Intersections at 1000 m negatively correlated with GLTEQ and HCS (r_s = -0.39, p = 0.002; r_s = -0.35, p = 0.006). Walk and Transit Score were not significantly associated with PA (p > 0.05).

We found associations between PA levels and greenspace and intersection density. Reasons for this require further investigation.