Increasing Physical Activity Via Provider Prescription and Engagement: Efficacy of ExerciseRx for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
University of Washington
Summary
This study aims to advance the scientific understanding and potential future implementation of physical activity promotion by testing the efficacy of a phone-based app for increasing activity in insufficiently active patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Description
This study aims to test the efficacy of ExerciseRx, a free software platform designed to increase physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Exercise is crucial for managing MS symptoms and overall health, but approximately 80% of PwMS do not get enough physical activity due to barriers like physical limitations, common MS symptoms, and lack of community exercise facilities. ExerciseRx translates clinically relevant activity data collected by personal smart devices into actionable metrics on a dashboard within the Epic electronic health record, allowing healthcare providers to…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Provider-confirmed diagnosis of MS using revised 2017 McDonald criteria * \> 18+ years of age * Patient determined disease steps (PDDS) score \< 3, indicating the potential for some gait disability although typically ambulates without an assistive device * Insufficiently active, defined as \< 150 minutes of physical activity per week, assessed using the PAVS in the EHR in clinics as part of the routine patient intake process * Use of an iPhone with software version iOS13+ or an Android phone 4.1+ * Agree to install and use the ExerciseRx app for the entire study period a…
Interventions
- OtherExerciseRx intervention
ExerciseRx is a cloud-based, HIPPA-compliant free software platform created for healthcare providers to prescribe and monitor physical activity as part of routine care. ExerciseRx translates clinically relevant activity data collected by the patient's existing personal smart devices (Android or iOS phone) into actionable metrics on a dashboard within the Epic electronic health record. Providers then use the platform to prescribe physical activity tailored to patients' ability levels and preferences. The platform incorporates behavior change strategies, including motivational feedback and nudges. It also facilitates a feedback loop with the provider, fostering caring patient-provider connections around activity promotion and behavior change. ExerciseRx leverages patients' personal smartphone capabilities to track, quantify, and tailor personalized physical activity solutions, which makes it more readily scalable as a solution across diverse patient populations.
Location
- UW MedicineSeattle, Washington