Examining the Neural Effects of a Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

BIPAMS-Brain:Examining the Neural Effects of a Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a prevalent neurological disease that is the leading cause of irreversible neurological disability among young women and the second leading cause of disability among young men in the United States. This disease results in the progressive loss of walking mobility and substantial worsening of cognition, symptoms, and quality of life over time. There is evidence that physical activity is beneficially associated with aerobic fitness and brain structure and function in persons with MS. Nevertheless, this population is strikingly sedentary and physically inactive. This highlights a vital opportunity to improve aerobic fitness and brain health by developing behavioral interventions that increase physical activity. To that end, this project is a Phase-II randomized control trial for examining the efficacy of a behavioral intervention that is based on social-cognitive theory and delivered through the Internet for increasing physical activity and, secondarily, improving aerobic fitness and brain structure and function in persons with MS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
• relapse free in the last 30 days
• being non-active defined as not engaging in regular activity (30 minutes accumulated per day) on more than 2 days of the week during the previous 6 months
• ambulate without assistance
• low risk for contraindications for MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

• moderate or high risk for undertaking strenuous or maximal exercise