There is a significant association between sitting time (ST) and blood pressure outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a recent study. These data support the need for additional examinations of ST and its possible health consequences in MS patients. In a cross-sectional study, researchers examined the association between sedentary behavior and blood pressure in 31 MS patients and 31 matched controls. Self-reported ST, one form of sedentary behavior, was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Using an automated oscillometric monitor, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) pressures were measured in the supine position following a 10-minute period of laying rest in a quiet room. They found:

• There were statistically significant correlations between IPAQ-measured ST and SBP, DBP, and MAP in MS patients, but not controls.
• The associations in MS patients were unchanged even after adjusting for body mass index in linear regression analyses.