Sedentary behavior and its correlates in adults with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting mobility and quality of life.
• Sedentary behavior is a significant concern in MS, potentially exacerbating disease progression and disability.
• Understanding factors associated with sedentary behavior is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior and various functional and quality of life measures in adults with MS.
• To identify key correlates of self-reported sedentary behavior in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 465 adults with MS.
• Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sedentary behavior (Marshall Sitting Questionnaire), walking ability, fatigue, quality of life (SF-12), anxiety, and depression.
• Cognitive function (CVLT-II, SDMT) and physical function (30-second Sit-to-Stand) were assessed via Zoom-based evaluations.
• Statistical analyses included bivariate correlations and multivariable linear regression.

Main Results:

• Bivariate analyses revealed significant, though weak, associations between sedentary behavior and fatigue severity (FSS), mental component summary of quality of life (SF-12 MCS), and verbal learning (CVLT-II).
• Multivariable regression identified SF-12 MCS and CVLT-II as significant correlates of sedentary behavior.
• SF-12 MCS emerged as the strongest predictor of sedentary time.

Conclusions:

• Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS), and California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II) are correlates of sedentary behavior in adults with MS.
• Mental health-related quality of life is a significant predictor of sedentary behavior in this population.
• These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental well-being and cognitive function in managing sedentary behavior in MS.