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Randomized controlled trial of physical activity, cognition, and walking in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

The present study adopted a randomized controlled trial design and examined the effect of a physical activity behavioral intervention on cognitive and walking performance among persons with MS who have mild or moderate disability status. A total of 82 MS patients were randomly allocated into intervention or wait-list control conditions. The intervention condition received a theory-based program for increasing physical activity behavior that was delivered via the Internet, and one-on-one video chat sessions with a behavior-change coach. Participants completed self-report measures of physical activity and disability status, and underwent the oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and 6-minute walk (6MW) test before and after the 6-month period. Analysis using mixed-model ANOVA indicated a significant time × condition × disability group interaction on SDMT scores (p = 0.02, partial-η 2 = 0.08), such that persons with mild disability in the intervention condition demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in SDMT scores (~6 point change). There was a further significant time × condition interaction on 6MW distance (p = 0.02, partial-η 2 = 0.07), such that those in the intervention condition demonstrated an increase in 6MW distance relative to those in the control group. The current study supports physical activity as a promising tool for managing cognitive impairment and impaired walking performance in persons with MS, and suggests that physical activity might have specific effects on cognition and non-specific effects on walking performance in this population.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Grant Number PP1695, awarded to the last author.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Ethical statement

The study procedures were approved by a university institutional review board with guiding Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects for Research (i.e., Belmont Report) and in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services policy and the Common Rule.

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Correspondence to Robert W. Motl.

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Sandroff, B.M., Klaren, R.E., Pilutti, L.A. et al. Randomized controlled trial of physical activity, cognition, and walking in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 261, 363–372 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-013-7204-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-013-7204-8

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