Promotion of Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis Through Physical Therapy (PromPT)
University of Michigan
Summary
Physical activity and exercise help manage symptoms like fatigue in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite research supporting physical activity participation, people with MS are often insufficiently active to reach health benefits. Promotional efforts that are sustainable within the United States healthcare system are needed. This project is a pilot randomized controlled trial examining the feasibility of a consultative physical therapy intervention for increasing physical activity engagement.
Description
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49 years with no curative options, resulting in a focus on rehabilitation strategies to manage symptoms, restore function, and improve quality of life. Physical activity, particularly exercise training, is considered one of the best rehabilitation strategies for comprehensive multiple sclerosis management. Despite strong evidence of the safety and benefits of physical activity and exercise in this population, persons with multiple sclerosis do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. Physical…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of MS * 18 years and older * Able to read and speak English sufficiently to allow for informed consent and active participation in the intervention sessions * Relapse free for the past 30 days * Willingness to attend all study visits and PT sessions for the duration of study * Access to a smartphone * Not sufficiently active as measured by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire score \<24 * Patient Determined Disease Steps score 0-3 or the ability to ambulate either independently or with the use of a cane (or similar device) for at least 75% of…
Interventions
- BehavioralPromPT-MS
The experimental intervention is a 24-week progressive exercise intervention in which participants are supported through six physical therapy visits and are provided with educational material based on social cognitive theory. The individual sessions will provide tailored support for increasing physical activity behavior towards the recommended guidelines of 2-3 moderate aerobic activity sessions and two strength-training sessions per week. There are no drugs involved in the intervention.
Location
- University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan