Internet-based Physical Activity Promotion and Exercise Prescription for People With Multiple Sclerosis (Feasibility Study)

Internet-based Physical Activity Promotion and Exercise Prescription for People With Multiple Sclerosis. A Feasibility Study.

This study evaluates the feasibility of a 12-week internet-based exercise and physical activity counseling intervention for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Due to high inactivity rates in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) physical activity promotion for this target group is needed. The internet is an attractive and feasible medium for physical activity promotion, however interventions have to be adapted to the special needs of pwMS. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a 12-week internet-based exercise and physical activity counseling intervention.

26 pwMS will be enrolled in the study. All of them receive the intervention. Focus groups and interviews will be conducted with participating pwMS to determine acceptability of the intervention and to explore participants experiences. Compliance with the intervention will be monitored. Additionally, changes in objective physical activity, subjective physical activity, fatigue, walking ability and level of depression will be calculated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis (McDonald criteria)
• expanded Disability Status Scale between 0 - 6.5
• neurologically stable (no exacerbation within 30 days prior to enrollment)
• internet access (WiFi)
• basic knowledge on handling personal computer and the internet
• owning a smartphone with the operating system Android or IOS and with access to Google Play Store or Apple App score
• ability to read, write and comprehend as well as communicate electronically
• not regularly physically active (more than 30 minutes twice a week with a moderate intensity (includes aerobic training, resistance training and other sports e.g. Tennis; excludes physiotherapy, physical activity during work or household, grocery shopping, gardening, walking the dog etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• clinically relevant cardiovascular diseases
• cortisone therapy in the last 30 days
• cognitive impairment
• severe impairment of hand function (ataxia or paresis impeding the use of a smartphone app or smartwatch)
• severe internal, orthopaedic and metabolic diseases that restrict mobility