Sedentary behavior and its correlates in adults with multiple sclerosis

Sydney R. DeJonge , Trinh L.T. Huynh , Victoria A. Flores & Robert W. Motl

Received 24 Nov 2025, Accepted 01 May 2026, Published online: 18 May 2026

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), and CVLT-II entered the model in Step 2 (b = −0.090, 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.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• People with multiple sclerosis (MS) sit for roughly 8-hours per day, which is nearly twice as much as those without MS.
• Correlates of sedentary behavior in MS include fatigue, mental components of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and verbal learning and memory, with mental HRQOL being the strongest independent predictor of sedentary behavior.
• Rehabilitation programs for reducing sedentary behavior could focus on lifestyle behavior strategies (e.g., physical activity) to improve the overall mental components of HRQOL.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to our participants with MS who completed this study, and to the National MS Society, iConquer MS, and other collaborators for assisting with the recruitment process.