Adherence to Physiotherapy-Guided Web-Based Exercise for Persons with Moderate-to-Severe Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Options to support adherence to physical activity in moderate-to-severe multiple sclerosis (MS) are needed. The primary aim was to evaluate adherence to a Web-based, individualized exercise program in moderate-to-severe MS. Secondary aims explored changes in 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), grip strength, Timed 25-Foot Walk test, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) results.

Methods: Participants were randomized (2:1) to a physiotherapist-guided Web-based home exercise program or a physiotherapist-prescribed written home exercise program. The primary outcome was adherence (number of exercise sessions over 26 weeks). Secondary outcomes were described in terms of means and effect sizes.

Results: There were 48 participants: mean ± SD age, 54.3 ± 11.9 years; disease duration, 19.5 ± 11.0 years; and Patient-Determined Disease Steps scale score, 4.4 ± 1.6. There was no significant difference in mean ± SD adherence in the Web-based group (38.9 ± 28.1) versus the comparator group (34.6 ± 40.8; U = 198.5, P = .208, Hedges' g = 0.13). Nearly 50% of participants (23 of 48) exercised at least twice per week for at least 13 of the 26 weeks. Adherence was highest in the Web-based subgroup of wheelchair users. Medium effect sizes were found for the HADS anxiety subscale and in ambulatory participants for TUG. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions: There was no difference in exercise adherence between the Web-based and active comparator groups. There was no worsening of secondary outcomes or adverse events, supporting the safety of Web-based physiotherapy. More research is needed to determine whether wheelchair users might be most likely to benefit from Web-based physiotherapy.

Keywords: Adherence; Exercise; Multiple sclerosis (MS); Physiotherapy; Telerehabilitation.

Conflict of interest statement

Financial Disclosures: Dr Paul is co-inventor of the Web-based physiotherapy platform and now a director of the social enterprise Giraffe Healthcare. However, she was not involved with any data collection or analysis. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

© 2020 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

Figures

Figure 1.

Percentages of participants exercising at least twice per week