The feasibility of a flexible exercise participation programme (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis
Smith, Moira, Williams, Gavin, Jordan, Margaret, Willson, Annie, and Barker, Ruth (2023) The feasibility of a flexible exercise participation programme (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Research International, 28 (2). e1988.
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Abstract
Background and purpose: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) want health advice regarding participation in their choice of exercise. To address this need, a flexible exercise participation programme (FEPP) was developed, underpinned by the MS aerobic exercise guidelines and supported by a physiotherapist using behaviour change techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the FEPP for individuals with minimal disability from MS.
Methods: A feasibility study utilising a single group pre/post-intervention design was conducted. The 12-week FEPP was completed by 10 individuals with MS (EDSS 0–3.5). Exercise progression in duration, intensity or frequency of exercise (in line with MS exercise guidelines) was guided by a self-perceived weekly energy level score, and weekly telephone coaching sessions using behavioural change techniques. Trial feasibility was assessed via measures of process (recruitment and retention), resources/management (communication time; data entry) and scientific feasibility (safety; compliance). Secondary FEPP feasibility outcomes included the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) T-score, exercise participation (weekly exercise diary), high-level mobility (HiMAT), vitality (Subjective Vitality Scale), biomarkers for inflammation (cytokines levels [IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, TNF and IFNγ]), and acceptability (participant survey).
Results: Process: In total, 11 (85%) of 13 eligible participants enroled at baseline with 10 (91%) completing the study. Resources/management: Coaching sessions included a baseline interview—mean 39 min (SD: 6.6) and telephone coaching—mean 10 min (SD: 3.8) per week. Outcome measure data collection time—mean 44 min (SD: 2.1). Scientific feasibility: Two participants experienced a fall during their exercise participation. Self-reported compliance was high (99%). GAS T-scores increased significantly, indicating achievement of exercise participation goals. Secondary outcomes showed trends towards improvement.
Discussion: The FEPP was feasible, safe and highly acceptable for use with individuals with MS and warrants a larger trial to explore effectiveness.
| Item ID: | 77167 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1471-2865 |
| Keywords: | behaviour change techniques, cytokines, exercise, multiple sclerosis |
| Copyright Information: | © 2022 The Authors. Physiotherapy Research International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Jan 2023 23:48 |
| FoR Codes: | 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3209 Neurosciences > 320905 Neurology and neuromuscular diseases @ 50% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420106 Physiotherapy @ 50% |
| SEO Codes: | 20 HEALTH > 2003 Provision of health and support services > 200301 Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) @ 50% 20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200105 Treatment of human diseases and conditions @ 50% |
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