Evaluation of a Web-Based Fall Prevention Program on People With Multiple Sclerosis

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Behavioral: Waitlist Control; Behavioral: Free From Falls Online

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02885233

00015595

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based fall prevention program called Free From Falls Online (FFFO) on people with multiple sclerosis.

Full description

The overarching goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of an online self-management program for preventing falls among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). To accomplish this objective, the investigators have designed a web-based fall prevention program called Free From Falls Online (FFFO), based on the traditionally in-person program developed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The specific aims of this study are three-fold: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of an online fall prevention self-education program by comparing fall frequency between participants and controls; (2) evaluate the impact of FFFO by comparing patient reported measures of physical function, fatigue, self-efficacy, psychosocial illness impact, social participation and satisfaction, and perception of global health between participants and controls; (3) and to determine usability of and satisfaction with FFFO.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• MS of any type with no relapse in the previous month
• Self-reported history of 2 or more falls in the previous 2 months
• Ability to walk at least 100 meters with intermittent or unilateral constant assistance (Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) step <6.0)
• Daily access a computer and willingness to respond to a daily survey

Exclusion criteria

• Medical conditions that would preclude reliable participation or increases risk for injury during the program

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Free From Falls

Active Comparator group

Description:

Subjects in the active group will participate in the Free From Falls Online Program consisting of 8 weekly 30 minute webinars providing education about risk factors for falls and fall prevention strategies; self-assessment exercises to evaluate understanding of the material; video-based exercise program targeting balance, posture, strength and flexibility to be performed at least 3 times per week; supplementary, downloadable printed material for both education and exercise; and a social forum to allow participants to interact with each other.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Free From Falls Online

Waitlist

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Subjects in the waitlist control condition will receive an educational brochure developed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society called "Minimizing Your Risk of Falls: A Guide for People with MS," which includes information on identifying risk factors for falling and fall risk management approaches with no exercise component; will inform their provider that they have fallen at least twice in the previous 2 months and discuss subsequent falls over the course of the 5-month study; and will be invited to participate in the Free From Falls Online Program at study completion.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Waitlist Control