Implementing Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With MS

McMaster University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Direct Referral to physical activity

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02100020

MSProject2001

Details and patient eligibility

About

The proposed project will evaluate two methods of implementation of the new Physical Activity Guidelines (PAGs) for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) living in two Ontario communities. The investigators will also determine if following the PAGs will improve aspects of fitness, function, quality of life and risk for cardiometabolic disease in this population. The investigators hypothesize that adherence to the PAGs will be higher in people who have been referred directly to a community-based exercise program, and that this greater adherence to physical activity will be associated with greater improvements in fitness, function and quality of life.

This randomized controlled trial will provide important information on how best to implement physical activity recommendations within the community setting; this information will be translated to key stakeholders during the final stages of the project.

Enrollment: 94 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of MS with mild-moderate disability (EDSS 1-7)
• Aged 18-60
• Medical clearance to participate in physical activity

Exclusion criteria

• current participation in regular physical activity (at least twice-weekly)
• other serious medical condition that might impair ability to participate in strength or aerobic exercise

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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94 participants in 2 patient groups

Direct Referral to Physical Activity

Experimental group

Description:

The REF group will be referred to a centre-based community exercise program in their respective community (either the MacWheelers or Revved Up) by a clinical neurologist where they will be prescribed exercise based on the PAGs for adults with MS, and according to their individual capabilities.

Treatment:

Other: Direct Referral to physical activity

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

The CON group will be provided with a print copy of the PAGs and a link to an online resource for physical activity information.