Implementing Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With MS

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The proposed project will evaluate two methods of implementation of the new Physical Activity Guidelines (PAGs) for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) living in two Ontario communities. The investigators will also determine if following the PAGs will improve aspects of fitness, function, quality of life and risk for cardiometabolic disease in this population. The investigators hypothesize that adherence to the PAGs will be higher in people who have been referred directly to a community-based exercise program, and that this greater adherence to physical activity will be associated with greater improvements in fitness, function and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will provide important information on how best to implement physical activity recommendations within the community setting; this information will be translated to key stakeholders during the final stages of the project.

Official Title
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A Community-based Randomized Controlled Trial Testing Implementation of the New Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis.

Conditions
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Multiple Sclerosis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Direct Referral to physical activity


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of MS with mild-moderate disability (EDSS 1-7) Aged 18-60 Medical clearance to participate in physical activity Exclusion Criteria: current participation in regular physical activity (at least twice-weekly) other serious medical condition that might impair ability to participate in strength or aerobic exercise

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Direct Referral to Physical Activity<br>The REF group will be referred to a centre-based community exercise program in their respective community (either the MacWheelers or Revved Up) by a clinical neurologist where they will be prescribed exercise based on the PAGs for adults with MS, and according to their individual capabilities. | Other: Direct Referral to physical activity<br>* Participants randomized to the Direct Referral to Physical Activity Arm will be provided with a referral to a physical activity program in their community and will be closely monitored in this program for 16 wks.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>The CON group will be provided with a print copy of the PAGs and a link to an online resource for physical activity information. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines | Adherence to the physical activity guidelines will be analyzed by having participants fill in a weekly physical activity log that will be sent to them by email. | 3 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical Fitness | Peak oxygen uptake, maximum muscle strength, bodyweight | At baseline and after the 16 week intervention | 
| Perceived Quality of Life | Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL) scale | At baseline and after the 16 week intervention | 
| Fatigue | Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Impact Scale (MSFIS) | At baseline and after the 16 week intervention | 
| Mobility | 25ft walk test | At baseline and after the 16 week intervention | 
| Blood markers of cardiovascular disease risk | blood lipid panel, HbA1c, fasting glucose | At baseline and after the 16 week intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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physical activity, exercise guidelines, multiple sclerosis