title: Randomized controlled trial of physical activity, cognition, and walking in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: The present study adopted a randomized controlled trial design and examined the effect of a physical activity behavioral intervention on cognitive and walking performance among persons with MS who have mild or moderate disability status. A total of 82 MS patients were randomly allocated into intervention or wait-list control conditions. The intervention condition received a theory-based program for increasing physical activity behavior that was delivered via the Internet, and one-on-one video chat sessions with a behavior-change coach. Participants completed self-report measures of physical activity and disability status, and underwent the oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and 6-minute walk (6MW) test before and after the 6-month period. Analysis using mixed-model ANOVA indicated a significant time × condition × disability group interaction on SDMT scores (p = 0.02, partial-η (2) = 0.08), such that persons with mild disability in the intervention condition demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in SDMT scores (~6 point change). There was a further significant time × condition interaction on 6MW distance (p = 0.02, partial-η (2) = 0.07), such that those in the intervention condition demonstrated an increase in 6MW distance relative to those in the control group. The current study supports physical activity as a promising tool for managing cognitive impairment and impaired walking performance in persons with MS, and suggests that physical activity might have specific effects on cognition and non-specific effects on walking performance in this population.
authors: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 233 Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
authors: Brian M
authors: BM
authors: Sandroff
authors: Rachel E
authors: RE
authors: Klaren
authors: Lara A
authors: LA
authors: Pilutti
authors: Deirdre
authors: D
authors: Dlugonski
authors: Ralph H B
authors: RH
authors: Benedict
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Motl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*