Internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion for persons with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Hartung V, Tallner A, Flachenecker P, Mäurer M, Streber R, Wanner P, Rashid A, Shammas L, Hois G, Dettmers C, Roick H, Stefanou A, Tumani H, Weber S, Pfeifer K (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 17

Article Number: 90

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01146-x

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the effects of a 12-week internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion program for persons with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We performed a multicenter, randomized, waitlist-controlled study. The intervention group (IG) received the 12-week program, followed by 12 weeks with usual care. The control group (CG) received usual care only. The main components of the 12-week program were: (1) a tailored home-based exercise prescription, (2) e-learning resources, (3) telephone and video meetings with an exercise therapist, (4) the provision of a consumer-based PA monitor. Measurements were taken at baseline, postintervention, and after 24 weeks. The primary outcome was device-measured steps/day. Other outcomes were device-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, subjectively measured leisure-time and transportation physical activity and sport/exercise, physical activity-related health competence, walking ability, quality of life, fatigue, depression, and PA-related self-concordance. We compared changes from baseline to postintervention between groups and analyzed changes in the IG during the follow-up. Results: Analysis of 56 persons with multiple sclerosis (IG: n = 29, CG: n = 27, age: 45.6 ± 10.9) revealed no significant intervention effect on steps/day. However, significant improvements were observed in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sport/exercise, control competence, fatigue, and quality of life (physical). During the follow-up, sport/exercise and quality of life decreased significantly. Leisure-time and transportation physical activity increased significantly. Conclusions: Our study provides first evidence that the developed program can increase control competence, aspects of physical activity and health in persons with multiple sclerosis. A trial with a larger sample is recommended to confirm our results and examine intervention mechanisms. Trial registration: Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; registration number: NCT04367389; date of registration: 2020-04-21 (retrospectively registered).

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Würzburg Mitte Germany (DE) Kliniken Schmieder Germany (DE) Klinikum Stuttgart Germany (DE) Fachklinik für Neurologie Dietenbronn GmbH Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Hartung, V., Tallner, A., Flachenecker, P., Mäurer, M., Streber, R., Wanner, P.,... Pfeifer, K. (2025). Internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion for persons with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01146-x

MLA:

Hartung, Verena, et al. "Internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion for persons with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial." BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 17.1 (2025).

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