The feasibility of a patient informed, racially targeted home-based exercise program for black individuals 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. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess program feasibility of a three-month, home-based, racially targeted, exercise training program in the four domains of process (e.g., recruitment and retention), recourses (e.g., communication and monetary costs), management (e.g., of data management and safety reporting), and scientific outcomes (e.g., safety, burden, compliance, experience, and treatment effect) in black individuals with MS. Methods: This study recruited 32 black individuals with mild-to-moderate MS related disability to participate in an exercise program. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical characteristics, and physical activity levels immediately prior to and following the program. Participants received a 3-month, home-based exercise program (i.e., resistance and aerobic training) which contained exercise equipment, a manual, and a log-book. Additionally, participants received periodic newsletters which emphasized social cognitive theory principles for behavior change, and phone calls with a behavioral coach who provided motivation and social accountability. Results: Results indicated that this exercise program was feasible, safe, and well received via data analysis and formative evaluation. Moreover, 24 participants completed post-assessment (75%; two dropped out, six did not return follow up assessments). The exercise program cost a total of \$3,726.57 (personnel costs = \$2128.74 USD, $20.87 USD per/hour; exercise program costs = \$1,597.83 USD, mean cost per person = \$46.93). Total time spent administrating the program was 102 hours. Participants complied with 70% of all exercise sessions via self-reported exercise logs. There was a significant increase (t=-5.1, p <.001, d=-1.0) in self-reported exercise behavior as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire Health Contribution Score. Conclusion: The results of this study support the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of this home-based exercise intervention for black individuals with mild-to-moderate MS.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Kinnett-Hopkins, Dominique Lynn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Motl, Robert
• Petruzzello, Steven
• Aber, Mark
• Pilutti, Lara

• Multiple sclerosis
• Physical activity

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/98382

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/98382