The Feasibility of a Patient Informed, Racially Tailored, Home-Based Exercise Program for Black Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: There has been increasing interest in the occurrence and expression of multiple sclerosis (MS) in minority populations, particularly in black individuals. Black individuals with MS may experience a more aggressive disease course, have a poorer prognosis with disease modifying therapies and have increased odds of physical comorbidities than their white counterparts. There is substantial evidence that suggests exercise training to be a promising approach for managing the manifestations of MS. However, much of this research has been conducted in white individuals. Further, black individuals with MS report lower levels of physical activity compared to white individuals with MS. A randomized controlled trial examining the feasibility of a targeted exercise training program in black individuals with MS is warranted.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess program feasibility of a three-month, home-based, racially tailored, exercise training program in the four domains of process (e.g., recruitment, retention, and adherence), recourses (e.g., communication, staff requirements, and monetary costs), management (e.g., time and accuracy of data collection/entry, and reporting of adverse events), and scientific outcomes (e.g., safety, burden, participant feedback and efficacy/outcomes) in black individuals with MS to inform development of Phase II and III RCTs which can determine the actual efficacy and effectiveness of the program.

Methods: This study will recruit 32 black individuals with mild-to-moderate MS related disability nationwide to participate in an exercise program. Participants will complete a battery of questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical characteristics, and physical activity levels immediately prior to, following the program. Participants will receive a 3-month home-based exercise program (i.e., resistance and aerobic training) which contains exercise equipment, a manual, and a log-book. Additionally, participants will receive periodic newsletters which emphasize social cognitive theory principles for behavior change, and phone calls with an exercise specialist who will provide motivation and social accountability.

Results: in progress

Conclusions: in progress