Home-Based, Square-Stepping Exercise Program Among Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: Results of A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Study

Authors

Emerson Sebastião, Northern Illinois University
Edward McAuley, University of Illinois
Ryosuke Shigematsu, Mie University
Brynn C. Adamson, University of Illinois
Rachel Bollaert, Marquette UniversityFollow
Robert W. Motl, University of Alabama, Birmingham

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

10-2018

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Source ISSN

1551-7144

Abstract

There is very little known about exercise rehabilitation approaches for older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet this growing segment of the MS population experiences declines in cognition and mobility associated with disease progression and aging. We conducted a RCT examining the feasibility of a 12-week, home-based Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) program in older adults with MS. Older adults with MS (N = 26) with mild-to-moderate levels of disability were recruited and randomized into the intervention (i.e., SSE) or a minimal activity, attention-control conditions. Participants in the SSE condition received a mat for home-based practice of the step patterns, an instruction manual, and a logbook along with a pedometer for monitoring compliance. Both conditions received weekly Skype™ calls and had biweekly meetings with an exercise trainer. Feasibility was assessed based on process, resource, management and scientific outcomes. Regarding scientific outcomes, participants in both conditions completed in-lab assessments before and after the 12-week period. Twenty-five participants completed the study (96%) and the total cost of the study was $13,387.00 USD. Pedometer data demonstrated good compliance with the SSE intervention condition. Effect sizes calculated for all treatment outcomes ranged from small-to-moderate for both mobility and cognitive variables between the intervention and attention-control conditions, thereby providing preliminary evidence that participation in the SSE program may improve cognition and mobility function. The results support the feasibility, acceptability, and possible efficacy of a home-based SSE intervention for older adults with MS.

Comments

Accepted version. Contemporary Clinical Trials, Vol. 73 (October 2018): 136-144. DOI. © 2018 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Sebastião, Emerson; McAuley, Edward; Shigematsu, Ryosuke; Adamson, Brynn C.; Bollaert, Rachel; and Motl, Robert W., "Home-Based, Square-Stepping Exercise Program Among Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: Results of A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Study" (2018). Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications. 159.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/exsci_fac/159