Individualised behaviour change strategies for physical activity in multiple sclerosis (IPAC-MS): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Because of the long-term and unpredictable nature of the disease, the burden of MS is significant from both a patient and societal perspective. Despite a recent influx of disease-modifying therapies to treat MS, many individuals continue to experience disability that negatively affects productivity and quality of life. Previous research indicates that physical activity has a positive impact on walking function in individuals with MS, in addition to the usual beneficial effects on overall health. However, most people with MS are not active enough to gain these benefits, and a lack of support to initiate and maintain physical activity has been identified as a major barrier. This study will evaluate the impact of a novel intervention involving individualised behaviour change strategies delivered by neurophysiotherapists on increasing physical activity levels in individuals with MS who are currently inactive.Methods/designThis single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will be conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada. Eligible participants include individuals with MS who are ambulatory but identified as currently inactive by the self-reported Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). The intervention will be delivered by neurophysiotherapists and includes individualised behaviour change strategies aimed at increasing physical activity over a 12-month period. The control group will receive usual care during the 12-month study period. The primary outcome is the change in physical activity level, as measured by the change in the GLTEQ score from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes include the change in patient-reported outcome measures assessing MS-specific symptoms, confidence and quality of life.DiscussionPhysical activity has been identified as a top research priority by the MS community. Findings from this novel study may result in new knowledge that could significantly impact the management and overall health of individuals with MS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04027114. Registered on 10 July 2019.

Sexual activity (re-)engagement following spinal cord injury: Identifying behavior change targets for intervention development.

“…Behavior change interventions have been implicated in multiple chronic health conditions (e.g., stroke rehabilitation [Hall et al, 2020] and multiple sclerosis [Goulding et al, 2019]), as strong candidates for tailored intervention development; they can multidimensionally target personal, environmental, and social barriers. Focusing on behavior change provides a pathway toward improved health-related quality of life and activated health outcomes (Cane et al, 2012).…”

Beliefs, Benefits and Barriers Associated with Physical Activity: Impact of These Factors on Physical Activity in Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus

“…A score of 24 or more indicates "strenuous activity," while scores of 14 to 23 represent "moderate" activity and scores less than 14 indicate "mild/ insufficient activity" (Motl et al, 2018). The GSLTPAQ has been widely used to assess physical activity in chronic disease-related studies (Battalio et al, 2020;Goulding et al, 2019;So & Kalron, 2020). The GSLTPAQ has been translated into Chinese and was shown to have satisfactory psychometric properties in previous studies in Taiwan (Lin et al, 2013;.…”