Feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a wheelchair exercise training program in persons with multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts mobility, often necessitating wheelchair use.
• Wheelchair users with MS are frequently excluded from health promotion and exercise research.
• There is a need for accessible, tailored exercise interventions for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a home-based, remotely supported exercise program for wheelchair users with MS.
• To develop the program using a community-engaged research approach.
• To establish a foundation for future research on exercise interventions in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A parallel group randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 24 wheelchair users with MS.
• Remote delivery of a 16-week exercise training program or a wellness control condition, supported by online behavioral coaching.
• Feasibility (recruitment, retention, safety), acceptability (satisfaction, perceptions), and efficacy (metabolic health, MS symptoms, exercise behavior) outcomes were measured.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to provide data on recruitment and retention rates.
• Participant satisfaction and perceptions will be assessed through surveys and interviews.
• Efficacy will be evaluated by changes in metabolic health, MS symptoms, and exercise behavior.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform future research on exercise training for wheelchair users with MS.
• This study addresses a gap in health promotion research for individuals with MS who use wheelchairs.
• The results are expected to guide the development of effective exercise interventions for improved health outcomes.