Sedentary behavior and its correlates in adults with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: We examined walking ability, fatigue, health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, cognitive, and physical function as correlates of self-reported sedentary behavior in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: 465 adults with MS completed surveys including the Marshall Sitting Questionnaire (MSQ), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey-12 physical and mental (SF-12 PCS and MCS), along with clinical characteristics and demographics surveys (e.g., MS type, patient-determined disease steps). Zoom-based assessments of the California Verbal Learning Test II [CVLT-II], the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and the 30-second Sit-to-Stand were completed. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlations and a multivariable linear regression that identified correlates of sedentary behavior in MS. Results: The bivariate analyses indicated weak, but significant associations among MSQ and FSS (r =.092), SF-12 MCS (r = −0.111), and CVLT-II (r = −0.092). The multivariate regression demonstrated that SF-12 MCS scores entered the model in Step 1 (b = −0.111, p.05). Conclusion: We identified FSS, SF-12 MCS, and CVLT-II as correlates of sedentary behavior in adults with MS. SF-12 MCS was the strongest predictor of sedentary time.