A Multi-Site Trial of MS INFoRm (Fatigue Management Resource)

A Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial of MS INFoRm: An Interactive Fatigue Management Resource for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

People with MS commonly experience extreme fatigue that negatively impacts their ability to engage in a full range of daily activities, quality of life, and employment. A new website called MS INFoRm (Multiple Sclerosis: An Interactive Fatigue Management Resource) allows people with MS to take a personalized and active approach to learning about and managing their fatigue. The aims of this study are:

1. To determine to determine whether 3-month use of the MS INFoRm website can reduce the impact of fatigue on daily life among persons with MS.
2. To determine whether 3-month use of the MS INFoRm website results in improvement in self- efficacy/ confidence for managing MS fatigue, self-reported cognitive function, participation and autonomy/ independence, and depression.
3. To determine whether benefits are maintained among the MS INFoRm users after 6-months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• confirmed diagnosis of MS
• between 18 and 65 years of age
• access to a computer or other electronic device with internet access on which to use the website
• report mild to moderate fatigue
• live in Canada

Exclusion Criteria:

• any major comorbid conditions that might influence fatigue management (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic fatigue syndrome)
• report difficulty reading and comprehending English written at a Grade 7 level
• report upper extremity or visual impairments that cannot be accommodated adequately to enable computer access