Built-environment correlates of physical activity in youth with multiple sclerosis

Background: Higher levels of physical activity (PA) among youth with multiple sclerosis (MS) associate with lower levels of disease activity, and better psychosocial outcomes. Yet, youth with MS remain inactive. Built-environment features may explain low PA and inform intervention design. Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined associations between built-environment features and PA levels among youth with MS. Methods: Youth (⩽18 years) with MS completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for overall PA and a health contribution score (HCS; moderate & vigorous PA) in metabolic equivalents (METs). Built-environment features (intersections, green space, Walk/Transit Score) were linked to postal codes using the CANUE repository. Associations were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation. Result: Our sample included 59 youth (median age 15 ± 3 years; 61% female). Median GLTEQ and HCS scores were 43 ± 44 and 35 ± 42 METs/minutes/week. Greater greenspace at 500 m positively associated with GLTEQ and HCS ( r s = 0.33, p = 0.012; r s = 0.30, p = 0.020). Number of Intersections at 1000 m negatively correlated with GLTEQ and HCS ( r s = –0.39, p = 0.002; r s = –0.35, p = 0.006). Walk and Transit Score were not significantly associated with PA ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: We found associations between PA levels and greenspace and intersection density. Reasons for this require further investigation.