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ISO 27001 CertifiedActively Recruiting
Led by University of Washington · Updated on 2024-02-22
106
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
74 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of ExerciseRx, a free phone-based app designed to increase physical activity in adults with multiple sclerosis MS who are currently insufficiently active. This study seeks to improve the scientific understanding of how tailored physical activity programs delivered through technology can help manage MS symptoms and overall health. The study is conducted by the University of Washington and focuses on inactive people with MS who face barriers like physical limitations and lack of exercise facilities. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group uses the ExerciseRx app, which sets personalized daily step targets and weekly goals based on activity data collected from their own smartphones. The app provides motivational feedback, tracks progress, and allows healthcare providers to monitor and support the participants activity through messages and follow-ups. The other group continues their usual physical activity without the app but receives MS exercise recommendations. After 26 weeks, those in the usual care group will be offered the ExerciseRx program. During the study, participants complete self-report surveys and assessments at the start, midpoint week 13, and end week 26 of the trial. Researchers measure physical activity by tracking average daily step counts and monitor symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, sleep disturbance, physical function, and social participation using validated questionnaires. The study includes a double-blind design and continues until September 2026, with regular follow-up to assess the effects of the intervention over time.
CONDITIONS
Increasing Physical Activity for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
L
Laurie Kavanagh, MPH
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University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | ExerciseRx digital health platform | Usual care control | Structured internet‑based activity promotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A cloud‑based smartphone app platform (ExerciseRx) that links personal activity data with a provider dashboard in the electronic health record to support tailored exercise prescriptions via feedback and nudges. | Standard care includes provider encouragement to increase activity plus a handout of physical activity guidelines for adults with MS and resources, with no app. | Structured internet‑based programs have been tested to promote activity in people with MS. |
| Role in trial | Investigational arm receiving the ExerciseRx platform. | Control arm receiving usual care. | Represents alternative care option studied externally in RCTs. |
| Purpose | To increase physical activity (daily step count) through provider‑mediated digital support. | To serve as standard clinical practice comparison for activity encouragement. | To deliver home‑based, tailored exercise through internet for people with MS. |
| How it is delivered | Participants install the app on personal smartphone; providers monitor activity via EHR dashboard and deliver feedback and exercise goals. | Participants receive verbal encouragement from provider and a physical activity guideline handout. | Participants access online tailored exercise modules, e‑learning, home exercises, and receive remote support. |
| Evidence status | Effectiveness is under investigation in this RCT; no results published yet. | Routine care practice; evidence of benefit from general physical activity guidelines. | RCT evidence shows structured internet‑based program increased steps in people with MS. |
| Important risks | Risk not yet assessed; no safety data reported. | Minimal risk from standard advice and handout. | No serious risks reported in trial but exercise may pose general physical activity risks. |
| Limitations | Results are not yet available; effectiveness and usability in diverse MS populations remain unknown. | Provider encouragement and handout may have limited impact without structured support. | Evidence comes from single RCT in different systems; generalizability and long‑term adherence uncertain. |
| Patient impact | Impact not yet known until trial results are available. | General advice may yield modest increases in activity but often insufficient in MS. | External RCT observed increased daily steps, indicating improved physical activity. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual) to confirm eligibility and collect baseline information
Duration - 26 weeks
Participants use the ExerciseRx app to meet personalized physical activity goals and receive support from healthcare providers. They complete validated self-report assessments. Providers may offer additional guidance or referrals as needed to support physical activity progression.
Baseline and follow-up assessments at weeks 13 and 26
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Dawn M Ehde, Sarah B Simmons, Kevin N Alschuler...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41268963/University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
