Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS