Body composition and physical function in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have reduced physical activity (PA) and lower-limb physical function and potentially disordered body composition compared with their peers without MS. The aim of this study was to determine whether PA and body composition were differentially associated with lower-limb physical function in persons with MS compared with controls. Females with MS and age- and body mass index-matched female controls (n = 51; average age 48.1 +/- 9.7 yr) were measured for PA with daily step counts, relative fat mass (%Fat), and leg lean mass (LM-LEG) via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and for lower-limb physical function with objective performance tests. Persons with MS had 12.5% to 53% poorer lower-limb physical function than controls (all p < 0.05). PA, %Fat, and LM-LEG to body mass ratio (LM-LEG/BM) were associated with lower-limb physical function in both persons with MS and controls (all p < 0.05). Based on median splits, higher %Fat, lower LM-LEG/BM, and MS conferred poorer lower-limb physical function (all p < 0.05). PA, %Fat, and LM-LEG/BM were associated with lower-limb physical function, suggesting that body composition, specifically reducing adiposity and increasing lean mass and/or increasing PA levels, may be a potential target for MS interventions.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

“…This conclusion was confirmed by WHO's criteria for obesity and the cutoff scores of Pilluti and Motl (2016) for assessing obesity in PwMS. Our outcome is in agreement with previous studies that did not demonstrate a relationship between PA with being overweight or obese, based on BMI [14][15][16]. Furthermore, the recent review of Ewanchuk et al strengthens this line of evidence [17].…”

Remote Physical Activity Monitoring in Neurological Disease: A Systematic Review

“…[ 23 , 27 , 28 , 32 , 34 , 37 , 38 , 52 , 63 , 66 , 69 , 73 , 75 , 77 , 80 ] People with MS also frequently fail to reach daily levels of intensity and duration recommended for the general population. [ 85 ] Lower physical activity levels in MS are associated with higher levels of disability and lower scores in a range of clinical and self-reported outcomes such as walking speed and endurance (Timed 25-Foot Walk [ 23 , 24 , 29 , 30 , 37 , 38 , 62 , 68 , 76 ], 2-minute walk and 6MW [ 23 – 25 , 31 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 49 , 60 , 67 , 80 , 82 ]), fatigue (i.e. Fatigue Severity Scale)[ 40 , 48 , 57 ], depression (i.e.…”

“…Fatigue Severity Scale)[ 40 , 48 , 57 ], depression (i.e. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [ 48 , 57 , 68 ]), self-efficacy, [ 39 , 40 , 62 ] and balance (Berg Balance Scale [ 24 , 31 , 38 ], TUG [ 23 , 31 , 80 , 82 ]). Higher levels of physical activity correlate significantly with better performance on mobility measures in the clinic, self-reported disability questionnaires and cognitive processing speed.…”

Body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness in persons with multiple sclerosis

“…2,3 This higher BMI might be associated with an increased risk of MS, comorbid conditions, and disability progression. This interest is based on previous work suggesting that persons with MS (pwMS) have a higher body mass index (BMI), an indirect measure of body fat based on height and weight, 1 compared with controls.…”

“…This interest is based on previous work suggesting that persons with MS (pwMS) have a higher body mass index (BMI), an indirect measure of body fat based on height and weight, 1 compared with controls. 2,3 This higher BMI might be associated with an increased risk of MS, comorbid conditions, and disability progression. [4][5][6][7] As in other populations, 8,9 BMI may have important consequences for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in pwMS, and evidence of an association might provide an indication of a pathway between BMI and secondary conditions/consequences in MS.…”