Targeted exercise for African-Americans with multiple sclerosis: Project TEAAMS.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) disproportionately affects African Americans, often leading to significant walking dysfunction and reduced quality of life.
• Culturally-tailored interventions are needed to address the specific needs and preferences of African Americans with MS.
• Remote delivery models offer a scalable approach to provide exercise interventions to diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a remotely-delivered, culturally-tailored exercise program for improving patient-reported outcomes in African Americans with MS.
• To assess both immediate and sustained effects of the intervention on walking dysfunction, MS symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
• To explore the impact of the intervention on exercise behavior and relevant psychosocial mediators.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 100 African Americans with MS.
• Comparison between an Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training (ARET) intervention and a Stretching and Flexibility (SF) active control group.
• Intervention delivered remotely over four months, with outcomes assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes focus on patient-reported walking dysfunction.
• Secondary outcomes include fatigue, depression, anxiety, and HRQOL.
• Tertiary outcomes assess exercise adherence and psychosocial factors.

Conclusions:

• This RCT will provide crucial evidence on the effectiveness of a remotely-delivered, culturally-tailored exercise program for African Americans with MS.
• Positive findings could support the integration of this intervention into healthcare settings serving this population.
• The study aims to enhance the management of MS symptoms and improve overall well-being in a vulnerable demographic.