Increasing physical activity for adults with multiple sclerosis
Increasing Physical Activity Via Provider Prescription and Engagement: Efficacy of ExerciseRx for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
This study tests a phone app that helps adults with multiple sclerosis get more active by providing personalized exercise plans based on their activity data.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT06270641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of ExerciseRx, a phone-based app designed to promote physical activity among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are insufficiently active. The app collects activity data from personal smart devices and translates it into actionable metrics for healthcare providers, allowing them to prescribe tailored exercise solutions. By addressing barriers to physical activity, the study aims to improve the overall health and symptom management of participants. The intervention will be monitored over a specified period to assess its impact on physical activity levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of MS who are insufficiently active and have a PDDS score of less than 3.
Not a fit: Patients who have had a recent MS relapse, planned surgery, or are at a higher risk of falling may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance the physical activity levels and overall health of adults with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with technology-based interventions for increasing physical activity in chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provider-confirmed diagnosis of MS using revised 2017 McDonald criteria * \> 18+ years of age * Patient determined disease steps (PDDS) score \< 3, indicating the potential for some gait disability although typically ambulates without an assistive device * Insufficiently active, defined as \< 150 minutes of physical activity per week, assessed using the PAVS in the EHR in clinics as part of the routine patient intake process * Use of an iPhone with software version iOS13+ or an Android phone 4.1+ * Agree to install and use the ExerciseRx app for the entire study period and keep their phone on them during the daytime (e.g., pocket, bags, hands) Exclusion Criteria: * Recent (past 4 weeks) or planned surgery during the study period which may impact engaging in step counts * MS relapse within the last 30 days * Plans to travel internationally during the study period, which could interfere with server uploads of mobile phone data * Those at a higher risk of falling or injury from falls or unable to safely exercise due to other medical conditions (e.g. heart conditions, diabetes or conditions made worse by walking or physical activity)
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- UW Medicine — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dawn Ehde, PhD — UW Medicine
- Study coordinator: Laurie Kavanagh, MPH
- Email: lauriek@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-668-4168
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.