E-based physical exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis and comorbidity (COMPACT): feasibility study and...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Comorbidity is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and can worsen disease progression.
• Physical exercise (PE) is known to alleviate MS symptoms and benefit comorbid conditions.
• Digital (e)-based PE offers a potential solution for integrating exercise into the lives of pwMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol for e-based PE in pwMS.
• To present feasibility data from a controlled study of an e-based PE intervention for pwMS with and without comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• A prospective RCT will randomize 300 pwMS (1:1 ratio) to usual care or usual care plus a 6-month home-based e-PE program.
• The e-PE program involves supervised online resistance training for lower extremities, two 60-minute sessions weekly.
• Primary outcome is change in walking capacity (6-minute walk test); secondary outcomes include NEDA-3, quality of life, fatigue, and neurofilament light chain levels.

Main Results:

• Feasibility study (n=50) showed a 91.3% recruitment rate and 63% adherence to the 3-month e-PE program.
• Participants completed a mean of 15.2 sessions, with no reported intervention-related adverse events.
• The feasibility study provides a foundation for the larger RCT.

Conclusions:

• This protocol details a prospective RCT and feasibility data for home-based e-PE in pwMS.
• The study will evaluate the effects of e-PE, contributing to digital healthcare solutions for MS.
• The findings are expected to offer significant insights into digital health interventions for managing MS.