Is sedentary behavior associated with body composition in multiple sclerosis?

BACKGROUND

To date, the evidence regarding the relationship between sedentary behavior and weight status based on body mass index in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been definitive, and the conflicting results may be associated with the approaches for measurement of sedentary behavior and body composition.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined the relationship between device-based sedentary time and body composition outcomes derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in persons with MS, controlling for age, sex, disability status, and physical activity as covariates of both outcomes in MS.

METHODS

Persons with MS were recruited based on body mass index categories for a full range of body composition scores. Participants (n = 62) completed a DXA scan and wore an accelerometer on a belt for a 7-day period.

RESULTS

Sedentary time was not associated with percent fat mass (pr = -.13, p = .36), lean mass (pr = .11, p = .40), bone mineral content (pr = -.03, p = .80), or bone mineral density (pr = -.21, p = .11).

CONCLUSIONS

Time spent in sedentary behavior was not significant correlated with body composition outcomes in our sample of persons with MS. These results support the consideration of other outcomes of sedentary behavior as well as other predictors of body composition over-and-beyond sedentary behavior.