Randomized controlled trial of an e-learning designed behavioral intervention for increasing physical activity...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Internet-delivered behavioral interventions offer a scalable and cost-effective method for managing physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• These interventions aim to equip persons with MS with theory-based skills to modify physical activity levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, e-learning-based internet website intervention designed to increase physical activity in persons with MS.
• To assess the intervention's impact on secondary outcomes, including fatigue, walking impairment, and neurological disability.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 47 participants with MS was conducted over six months.
• Participants were randomized into either a behavioral intervention group (n=23) or a waitlist control group (n=24).
• Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention by blinded evaluators, with data analyzed using analysis of covariance.

Main Results:

• The intervention significantly improved self-reported physical activity (P=0.05).
• Significant positive effects were observed on the overall and physical impact of fatigue (P=0.018, P=0.003), self-reported walking impairment (P=0.047), and disability status (P=0.033).
• Non-significant improvements were noted in objectively measured physical activity, fatigue severity, depression, anxiety, and self-reported disability.

Conclusions:

• The study provides evidence for the efficacy of an internet-based behavioral intervention utilizing e-learning principles.
• The intervention successfully increased physical activity and demonstrated potential benefits for secondary outcomes such as fatigue and walking impairment in persons with MS.