MedPath

Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course Study

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Clinically Isolated Syndrome
Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
Multiple Sclerosis
Fibromyalgia
Cancer in Remission With Persisting Fatigue
Interventions
Behavioral: Delayed Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (delayed AIM course)
Behavioral: Immediate Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (AIM)
Behavioral: Immediate Question and Answer sessions. (AIM Q and A sessions)
Behavioral: Delayed AIM Question and Answer sessions
Registration Number
NCT05057676
Lead Sponsor
Terry L. Wahls
Brief Summary

The goal of this project is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of using an online program to improve diet and self-care in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remission with persisting fatigue.

Detailed Description

The goal of this project is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of using an online program to improve diet and self-care in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remissin with persisting fatigue. The cancer patients must be patients at the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center.

Once eligibility criteria are determined and consent is obtained, participants would work through the course modules like a non-graded online course. There are exercises and personal assessments within the course participants are asked to take to build upon each other to increase the success of the experience while taking the course.

Throughout the course there will be modules that will discuss an inner game plan, food intervention plan, physical intervention plan, and an increased resilience plan. The fourth module suggests different strategies that participants can do to improve their health beyond food and exercise. These types of things would include supplements, light therapy, detoxification, improved sleep, stress reduction, and other ways to enhance their body's resilience.

Investigators ask that participants inform and work with their healthcare team to personalize their treatment and determine if the suggested strategies mentioned in the course are appropriate for their healthcare path. This will provide dietary education to a larger sample size compared to what has been studied in the past. The study may include more patients that have limited resources, including but not limited to, money and location for access to registered dietitians with expertise in dietary instruction for patient s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and CIS. There is interest in education and support that can be delivered via an online platform that can lead to improved diet quality and self-care routines for multiple sclerosis and autoimmune patients.

This study will use a randomized single-blind wait list control design to evaluate the impact of an online course that teaches the modified Paleolithic diet, nutrient dense vegetarian diet and Mediterranean diets, stress reduction and exercise strategies using commercially available online course for autoimmune patients. Data will be collected in the short-term (after 3 months) and long-term (at the end of 6 months ) to analyze the impact of an online wellness program QoL and related outcomes among people with CIS and MS, fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remission wiht persisting fatigue.

The study will use a 7-day window to collect baseline assessments. Participants will use a personal email that does not contain identifying information to participate in the study. Participants will be asked to complete all baseline assessments. This email and password will be used for access to the online course materials. Patients will be randomized to the intervention arm based upon the baseline modified fatigue impact score.

Patients will receive access to the online program and 7 group support videos (released one per week or 7 weeks total). Participants will access the course materials using the study assigned email.

The proposed study will consist of virtual-only participants and will have 3 virtual visits every 3 months (months 0, 3, and 6). Online questionnaires will be sent to the participants to assess fatigue and quality of life. Dietary assessments will include a questionnaire through a web-based tool after baseline, at month 3, and month 6.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • self-reported multiple sclerosis
  • self-reported clinically isolated syndrome

OR self-reported post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC), also known as long COVID, with a confirmed laboratory test of COVID-19 infection, persisting fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms for longer than 6 months after confirmation of COVID diagnosis,

OR self-reported diagnosis of fibromyalgia as documented by their treating specialist or primary care provider,

Exclusion Criteria

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Intervention Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (AIM) online courseImmediate Question and Answer sessions. (AIM Q and A sessions)This arm will begin the intervention immediately after randomization
Delayed Autoimmune Intervention Mastery CourseDelayed AIM Question and Answer sessionsThis is the control arm.
Delayed Autoimmune Intervention Mastery CourseDelayed Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (delayed AIM course)This is the control arm.
Intervention Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (AIM) online courseImmediate Autoimmune Intervention Mastery Course (AIM)This arm will begin the intervention immediately after randomization
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Short form 36 (SF 36)baseline to 6 months

Change in (SF 36) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.

Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Physical Health (MS 54 QoL PH)baseline to 6 months

Change in (MS 54 QoL PH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.

Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Mental Health (MS 54 QoL MH)baseline to 6months

Change in (MS 54 QoL MH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.

The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS):baseline to 6 months

FACIT-FS is a 13-item measure that assesses self-reported fatigue and its impact upon daily activities and function, which can be completed in less than 5 minutes.10 Each question provides 5 ordinal response options ("not at all," "a little bit," "somewhat," "quite a bit," and "very much"). Each item contributes equally (item score range=0-4) to a total score that ranges from 0 to 52, where higher scores represent less fatigue.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Modified Fatigue Impact Scalebaseline to 6 months

Change in MFIS survey questions, scores range from 0-84, lower score is better.

Brief Pain Inventorybaseline to 6 months

Range 0-10(Low to High Scale) survey with higher score indicating greater pain intensity

FM Disease activity (FIQR)baseline to 6 months

0-100 (Low to High Scale)21 survey items used to evaluate function, overall impact, and symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. High score indicating more severe symptoms.

calcium intakebaseline to 6 months

change in calcium intake, range 0 to 2000 mg

Pain scalebaseline to 3 months

0-10 (low to high) 13 survey items used to evaluate feelings about pain.

Servings of whole grains consumedbaseline to 6 months

change in number of servings of whole grains consumed, range 0 to 6 or more servings

Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revisedbaseline to 6 months

Pain Rating (0-10 Low to High Scale) survey with 15 items with higher score indicating greater impact

Pain catastrophizing scalebaseline to 6 months

052 (low to high) 13 survey items used to evaluate feelings about pain. Higher scores indicating more severe feelings about pain related problems

vegetable and fruit intakebaseline to 6 months

Change in number of servings of vegetables consumed per day, servings range from 0 to 9 or more

added sugar intakebaseline to 6 months

change in the grams of added sugar consumed each day, grams range from 0 to 100

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G)baseline to 6 months

measures health-related QoL covering 5 domains: physical well-being (7 items), family/social well-being (7 items), emotional well-being (6 items), functional well-being (7 items), and fatigue-specific items (13 items).10 These items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, where 0 = "not at all" and 5 = "very much," with a recall period over the past 7 days. Domain scores can be calculated by summing the scores for each domain, and/or a total score by summing the scores for all domains, with higher scores representing better functioning. General guidelines estimate for the FACT-G minimally important difference (MID), is 4-7 points. The total score ranges from 0-108.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Univeristy of Iowa

🇺🇸

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

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