The proposed project will evaluate two methods of implementation of the new Physical Activity Guidelines (PAGs) for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) living in two Ontario communities. The investigators will also determine if following the PAGs will improve aspects of fitness, function, quality of life and risk for cardiometabolic disease in this population. The investigators hypothesize that adherence to the PAGs will be higher in people who have been referred directly to a community-based exercise program, and that this greater adherence to physical activity will be associated with greater improvements in fitness, function and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will provide important information on how best to implement physical activity recommendations within the community setting; this information will be translated to key stakeholders during the final stages of the project.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
94
Participants randomized to the Direct Referral to Physical Activity Arm will be provided with a referral to a physical activity program in their community and will be closely monitored in this program for 16 wks.
McMaster University, Physical Activity Centre for Excellence
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Queens University
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines
Adherence to the physical activity guidelines will be analyzed by having participants fill in a weekly physical activity log that will be sent to them by email.
Time frame: 3 years
Physical Fitness
Peak oxygen uptake, maximum muscle strength, bodyweight
Time frame: At baseline and after the 16 week intervention
Perceived Quality of Life
Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL) scale
Time frame: At baseline and after the 16 week intervention
Fatigue
Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Impact Scale (MSFIS)
Time frame: At baseline and after the 16 week intervention
Mobility
25ft walk test
Time frame: At baseline and after the 16 week intervention
Blood markers of cardiovascular disease risk
blood lipid panel, HbA1c, fasting glucose
Time frame: At baseline and after the 16 week intervention
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