Motivational Interviewing to Increase Physical Activity to Treat Depression in People Aging With MS or SCI

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity for Major Depression in People Aging With Multiple Sclerosis or Spinal Cord Injury

This study compares two approaches to helping people who are aging with MS or SCI and are experiencing depressed mood to become more physically active. The study is carried out entirely by telephone. There is no need to travel and participants may reside anywhere within the United States. We will examine the effects of the intervention on overall physical activity, mood, pain, fatigue and general health. Participants will complete surveys over the phone throughout the study and wear an activity monitor 3 times. The study is 6 months in length and participants may receive up to $120 for their time and effort.

People aging with disabilities such as spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS) report high rates of major depression. Depression frequently adds to the disabilities and suffering in these populations. Few definitive studies of depression treatments have been done in people with MS and none in SCI. There are several reasons to explore novel treatments for major depression in these groups. First, standard treatments, such as antidepressant medications, may not be as effective in people with neurological disabilities. Next, people with physical disabilities tend to be inactive. Lack of physical activity has been positively correlated with higher levels of depression. Longitudinal data and treatment trials suggest that increased physical activity is related to improved mood. Controlled trials show that increased exercise and physical activity can be effective treatments for major depression in nondisabled older adults. Previous research by the investigators' group suggests that people with MS are quite interested in exercise and that exercise is a safe and effective treatment for depression in younger, less disabled people with MS. Exercise may have widespread benefits for people with MS or SCI. Finally, exercise or increased physical activity represents a low cost, non-stigmatizing, highly accessible potential treatment for depression in people with physical disabilities. In this study the investigators will determine whether a relatively brief telephone-based intervention to promote physical activity is an effective treatment for major depression in people aging with MS or SCI. The investigators define "aging" as chronological age greater than 45 years old.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged at least 45 years old
• self-report diagnosis of MS or SCI
• meeting SCID requirements for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or dysthymia
• MS: EDSS between 4.0 and 8.0
• SCI: ASIA A-D injury level at or below C4 and they have upper extremity function sufficient to propel a manual wheelchair
• meeting PHQ-9 measure cut-off for depression by scoring more than 10 on the measure
• currently inactive (exercising less than 150 minutes per week)
• response form received from participants' doctor declaring exercise safe for the subject.

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant cognitive impairment
• pressure ulcers on sitting surfaces (or another condition that precludes sitting
• significant obesity (>160% of ideal body weight)
• significant risk factors for beginning moderate physical activity measured with the PAR-Q
• response form received from participants' doctor declaring exercise unsafe for the subject
• a self-reported history of significant Uthoff's effect for those with MS
• psychiatric contraindications such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, active suicidal ideation with intent or plan, or current alcohol or drug dependence. We will include people who remain depressed but are on stable doses of antidepressant medications.