Title | Internet-delivered lifestyle physical activity intervention improves body composition in multiple sclerosis: preliminary evidence from a randomized controlled trial. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Pilutti LA, Dlugonski D, Sandroff BM, Klaren RE, Motl RW |
Journal | Arch Phys Med Rehabil |
Volume | 95 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 1283-8 |
Date Published | 2014 Jul |
ISSN | 1532-821X |
Keywords | Adult, Body Composition, Body Mass Index, Body Weights and Measures, Bone Density, Exercise, Female, Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Humans, Internet, Life Style, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis, Physical Therapy Modalities, Walking |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of a physical activity behavioral intervention for improving outcomes of body composition in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory persons with MS (N=82). INTERVENTION: A 6-month, internet-delivered physical activity behavioral intervention designed to increase lifestyle physical activity, primarily walking. The behavioral intervention was based on principles of social cognitive theory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and soft tissue composition, using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between conditions posttrial on body composition outcomes using the adjusted critical value (P<.008). There was a significant effect of the intervention on whole-body BMC (P=.04, ω(2)<.001) and BMD (P=.01, ω(2)=.003) using the unadjusted critical value (P<.05). The effect of the intervention on percent body fat (P=.09, ω(2)=.001) and whole-body fat mass (P=.05, ω(2)=.003) approached significance using unadjusted criteria. There was not a significant effect on whole-body lean soft tissue (P=.28, ω(2)<.001) or body mass index (P=.86, ω(2)<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide preliminary evidence that an internet-delivered lifestyle physical activity intervention might improve bone health and body composition in MS. Such findings are important considering that physical activity is a modifiable behavior with the potential to confer long-term benefits for the prevention and management of fracture risk and comorbidities among those with MS. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.03.015 |
Alternate Journal | Arch Phys Med Rehabil |
PubMed ID | 24699237 |