Theory Based Intervention Program to Support Physical Activity for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Series

Not Applicable

Completed

Interventions: Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing
Device: Wristband physical activity monitor

Brief Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of personalized physical activity coaching combined with the use of a physical activity monitor to support increased levels of daily physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. All five participants will receive the intervention over the four week intervention phase.

Detailed Description: Individuals with multiple sclerosis engage in less daily physical activity than the general population for a variety of reasons. This research project is intended to evaluate whether individualized coaching combined with the use of a Fitbit physical activity wristband monitor will improve physical activity levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Following admission into the study, participants will be visited once a week for four weeks at home by a physical therapist. The participants in consultation with the physical therapist will set daily physical activity goals for the following week and the participants will be taught how to monitor their daily activity using a Fitbit physical activity wristband.

The goals of this study are to determine whether this intervention is effective in helping participants increase their levels of daily physical activity and their confidence that they can successfully engage in daily physical activity. In addition, there will be an evaluation of changes from pre-intervention to post-intervention in quality of life measures.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

must have a physician diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and deemed suitable for engaging in a physical activity program by their physician
must be ambulatory with or without an assistive device
must be able to speak and read English
must have a home computer or device capable of tracking and recording the daily Fitbit physical activity reports

Exclusion Criteria

participants will be excluded if any contraindications to engaging in independent exercise are identified during the intake examination by the physical therapist: cardiovascular issues or safety issues with walking.

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Single Arm	Wristband physical activity monitor	All five participants in the study will receive this intervention. The participants will be visited in their homes by a physical therapist once a week. The physical therapist will use a coaching technique called motivational interviewing to help the participant develop personal physical activity goals. The participant will discuss their physical activity challenges, and with the help of the physical therapist the participant will set up personal physical activity goals for the following week. The participant will be given a wristband physical activity monitor to wear during the day for four weeks to track their progress in meeting their activity goals.
Single Arm	Motivational Interviewing	All five participants in the study will receive this intervention. The participants will be visited in their homes by a physical therapist once a week. The physical therapist will use a coaching technique called motivational interviewing to help the participant develop personal physical activity goals. The participant will discuss their physical activity challenges, and with the help of the physical therapist the participant will set up personal physical activity goals for the following week. The participant will be given a wristband physical activity monitor to wear during the day for four weeks to track their progress in meeting their activity goals.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Total Steps Taken Over Course of the Study	4 weeks	Wristband physical activity monitor recorded steps taken by participant over the 4 weeks of the study. No minimum or maximum. No baseline taken so cannot compare pre-intervention to post intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Exercise Self-Efficacy Questionnaire	baseline and at end of 4-week intervention	The "Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale" is the participant's self-reported confidence in their ability to engage in exercise throughout the day. Each of the 6 items is scored from 0% confidence to 100% confidence. All items are summed and the score is divided by 6 Minimum score: 0 Maximum score:100 Higher scores mean a better outcome.
Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale	baseline compared to end of 4-week study	The "Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale" is a self-report on how multiple sclerosis has impacted day-to-day life during the past 2 weeks. The 29 items are graded by the participants on a 5 point scale rating from "not at all" to "extremely". Minimum score: 29 Maximum Score:145 Higher scores mean worse outcome.
Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale	baseline compared to end of 4-week study	The "Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale" is a self-report of impact of multiple sclerosis on quality of life. The 14 statements are answered by selecting one of six options from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Minimum value: 14 Maximum value: 84 Higher scores reflect mean a better outcome.