Background We undertook a phase-III, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examined the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) and delivered through the Internet using e-learning approaches for immediate and sustained increases in physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method The study followed a parallel group RCT design. Persons with MS ( N = 318) were randomized into either behavioral intervention ( n = 159) or attention/social contact control ( n = 159) conditions. The conditions were administered over a 6-month period by persons who were uninvolved in screening, recruitment, random assignment, and outcome assessment. There was a 6-month follow-up period without access of conditions. We collected outcome data every 6 months over the 12-month period. The primary outcome was device-measured minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The data analysis involved a modified intent-to-treat approach (i.e. those who received the allocated conditions) using a linear mixed model. Results There was a significant group by time interaction on the primary outcome of device-measured minutes/day of MVPA ( p < 0.005). MVPA was increased immediately after the 6-month period in the behavioral intervention compared with control, and this difference was sustained over the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a widely scalable approach for increasing MVPA in persons with MS.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.