Title | Randomized controlled trial of physical activity, cognition, and walking in multiple sclerosis. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Sandroff BM, Klaren RE, Pilutti LA, Dlugonski D, Benedict RHB, Motl RW |
Journal | J Neurol |
Volume | 261 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 363-72 |
Date Published | 2014 Feb |
ISSN | 1432-1459 |
Keywords | Adult, Cognition, Data Interpretation, Statistical, Disability Evaluation, Exercise Therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropsychological Tests, Patient Compliance, Psychomotor Performance, Treatment Outcome, Walking |
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. |
DOI | 10.1007/s00415-013-7204-8 |
Alternate Journal | J. Neurol. |
PubMed ID | 24323244 |