Effect of Group Counseling Plus Tailored Exercise on Mobility Function in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs muscular function and limits individuals' ability to perform everyday activities requiring mobility. People with MS frequently exhibit mobility problems (ie, slower walking speed, shorter strides). General exercise training (eg, resistance, aerobic) provides modest physiological and walking mobility benefits. However, researchers suggest tailoring of interventions to address mobility specifically. We conducted a phase 2a pre-post intervention development study (Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials [ORBIT] intervention development model) of mobility exercise plus cognitive behavioral counseling to improve function and social cognitions known to encourage exercise.

The intervention was conducted twice per week for 8 weeks followed by 1 month of self-managed mobility exercise. Participants (N = 29; mean ± SD age = 52.24 ± 11.36 years, mean time since MS diagnosis ≥11 years) were assessed at baseline and after follow-up for mobility function, social cognitions, and intervention fidelity indicators.

Results indicated significant improvements in a variety of valid measures of mobility function (eg, 400-m walk), self-regulatory efficacy for mobility exercise and symptom control, and fidelity measures with small to medium effect sizes.

Positive findings suggest that the intervention seems to merit testing as a randomized pilot study following the ORBIT model.