The goal of this project is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of using an online program to improve diet and self-care in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remission with persisting fatigue.
The goal of this project is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of using an online program to improve diet and self-care in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remissin with persisting fatigue. The cancer patients must be patients at the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center. Once eligibility criteria are determined and consent is obtained, participants would work through the course modules like a non-graded online course. There are exercises and personal assessments within the course participants are asked to take to build upon each other to increase the success of the experience while taking the course. Throughout the course there will be modules that will discuss an inner game plan, food intervention plan, physical intervention plan, and an increased resilience plan. The fourth module suggests different strategies that participants can do to improve their health beyond food and exercise. These types of things would include supplements, light therapy, detoxification, improved sleep, stress reduction, and other ways to enhance their body's resilience. Investigators ask that participants inform and work with their healthcare team to personalize their treatment and determine if the suggested strategies mentioned in the course are appropriate for their healthcare path. This will provide dietary education to a larger sample size compared to what has been studied in the past. The study may include more patients that have limited resources, including but not limited to, money and location for access to registered dietitians with expertise in dietary instruction for patient s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and CIS. There is interest in education and support that can be delivered via an online platform that can lead to improved diet quality and self-care routines for multiple sclerosis and autoimmune patients. This study will use a randomized single-blind wait list control design to evaluate the impact of an online course that teaches the modified Paleolithic diet, nutrient dense vegetarian diet and Mediterranean diets, stress reduction and exercise strategies using commercially available online course for autoimmune patients. Data will be collected in the short-term (after 3 months) and long-term (at the end of 6 months ) to analyze the impact of an online wellness program QoL and related outcomes among people with CIS and MS, fibromyalgia, post acute sequela of covid, and cancer in remission wiht persisting fatigue. The study will use a 7-day window to collect baseline assessments. Participants will use a personal email that does not contain identifying information to participate in the study. Participants will be asked to complete all baseline assessments. This email and password will be used for access to the online course materials. Patients will be randomized to the intervention arm based upon the baseline modified fatigue impact score. Patients will receive access to the online program and 7 group support videos (released one per week or 7 weeks total). Participants will access the course materials using the study assigned email. The proposed study will consist of virtual-only participants and will have 3 virtual visits every 3 months (months 0, 3, and 6). Online questionnaires will be sent to the participants to assess fatigue and quality of life. Dietary assessments will include a questionnaire through a web-based tool after baseline, at month 3, and month 6.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
400
Immediate access to an on line audio and video course with education about strategies to grow and improve resilience, diet quality, exercise, stress reduction and self-care
Immediate access to videos answering common questions about the course concepts. One video released each week, 7 videos total.
Delayed access to an on line audio and video course with education about strategies to grow and improve resilience, diet quality, exercise, stress reduction and self-care
Univeristy of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Mental Health (MS 54 QoL MH)
Change in (MS 54 QoL MH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Mental Health (MS 54 QoL MH)
Change in (MS 54 QoL MH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 6months
Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Physical Health (MS 54 QoL PH)
Change in (MS 54 QoL PH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Multiple Sclerosis 54 Quality of Life Physical Health (MS 54 QoL PH)
Change in (MS 54 QoL PH) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Short form 36 (SF 36)
Change in (SF 36) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Short form 36 (SF 36)
Change in (SF 36) survey questions mean scores, range 0-100, higher number is better.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS):
FACIT-FS is a 13-item measure that assesses self-reported fatigue and its impact upon daily activities and function, which can be completed in less than 5 minutes.10 Each question provides 5 ordinal response options ("not at all," "a little bit," "somewhat," "quite a bit," and "very much"). Each item contributes equally (item score range=0-4) to a total score that ranges from 0 to 52, where higher scores represent less fatigue.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Delayed access to videos answering common questions about the course concepts. One video released each week, 7 videos total.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS):
FACIT-FS is a 13-item measure that assesses self-reported fatigue and its impact upon daily activities and function, which can be completed in less than 5 minutes.10 Each question provides 5 ordinal response options ("not at all," "a little bit," "somewhat," "quite a bit," and "very much"). Each item contributes equally (item score range=0-4) to a total score that ranges from 0 to 52, where higher scores represent less fatigue.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale
Change in MFIS survey questions, scores range from 0-84, lower score is better.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale
Change in MFIS survey questions, scores range from 0-84, lower score is better.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
vegetable and fruit intake
Change in number of servings of vegetables consumed per day, servings range from 0 to 9 or more
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
vegetable and fruit intake
Change in number of servings of vegetables consumed per day, servings range from 0 to 9 or more
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
added sugar intake
change in the grams of added sugar consumed each day, grams range from 0 to 100
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
added sugar intake
change in the grams of added sugar consumed each day, grams range from 0 to 100
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
calcium intake
change in calcium intake, range 0 to 2000 mg
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
calcium intake
change in calcium intake, range 0 to 2000 mg
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Servings of whole grains consumed
change in number of servings of whole grains consumed, range 0 to 6 or more servings
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Servings of whole grains consumed
change in number of servings of whole grains consumed, range 0 to 6 or more servings
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised
Pain Rating (0-10 Low to High Scale) survey questions with higher score indicating greater impact
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised
Pain Rating (0-10 Low to High Scale) survey with 15 items with higher score indicating greater impact
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Brief Pain Inventory
Interference (0-10 Low to High Scale) 15 survey items with higher score indicating greater intensity
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Brief Pain Inventory
Range 0-10(Low to High Scale) survey with higher score indicating greater pain intensity
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
FM Disease activity (FIQR)
0-100( Low to High Scale)21 survey items used to evaluate function, overall impact, and symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
FM Disease activity (FIQR)
0-100 (Low to High Scale)21 survey items used to evaluate function, overall impact, and symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. High score indicating more severe symptoms.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Pain scale
0-10 (low to high) 13 survey items used to evaluate feelings about pain.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Pain catastrophizing scale
052 (low to high) 13 survey items used to evaluate feelings about pain. Higher scores indicating more severe feelings about pain related problems
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G)
measures health-related QoL covering 5 domains: physical well-being (7 items), family/social well-being (7 items), emotional well-being (6 items), functional well-being (7 items), and fatigue-specific items (13 items).10 These items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, where 0 = "not at all" and 5 = "very much," with a recall period over the past 7 days. Domain scores can be calculated by summing the scores for each domain, and/or a total score by summing the scores for all domains, with higher scores representing better functioning. General guidelines estimate for the FACT-G minimally important difference (MID), is 4-7 points. The total score ranges from 0-108.
Time frame: baseline to 3 months
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G)
measures health-related QoL covering 5 domains: physical well-being (7 items), family/social well-being (7 items), emotional well-being (6 items), functional well-being (7 items), and fatigue-specific items (13 items).10 These items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, where 0 = "not at all" and 5 = "very much," with a recall period over the past 7 days. Domain scores can be calculated by summing the scores for each domain, and/or a total score by summing the scores for all domains, with higher scores representing better functioning. General guidelines estimate for the FACT-G minimally important difference (MID), is 4-7 points. The total score ranges from 0-108.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Optional interview at study conclusion
Asking open ended questions about the participant's study experience, barriers, challenges, web-based aspect of course, social support, geographic location, experience with specific modules and suggestions for improvement for the course and the study
Time frame: collected at study conclusion