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Published on: January 29, 2016
Internet intervention for increasing physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis
Robert W Motl1, Deirdre Dlugonski, Thomas R Wójcicki
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA. robmotl@illinois.edu
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 6, 2010
Summary
An internet intervention significantly increased physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Goal setting improvements mediated this effect, suggesting a path for future research in managing MS symptoms through technology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Physical activity benefits multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, yet they remain largely sedentary.
- Internet interventions offer a potential solution to increase physical activity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an Internet intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) for increasing physical activity in persons with MS.
- To explore SCT variables as mediators of the intervention's effect on physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 54 MS patients allocated to an Internet intervention or a waitlist control group.
- Participants completed assessments of physical activity, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, functional limitations, and goal setting pre- and post-intervention (12 weeks).
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significant large increase in physical activity (p=0.01, d=0.72).
- Goal setting significantly increased in the intervention group (p=0.001, d=0.97) and mediated the intervention's effect on physical activity.
- The control group showed non-significant changes in physical activity and goal setting.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study demonstrates the potential of an Internet intervention to increase physical activity in persons with MS.
- Findings support further investigation in a larger RCT with objective measures and longer follow-up to assess impact on mobility and quality of life.
