An online lifestyle modification course for people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial of course effectiveness

type of intervention

Interventional

recruitment status

Recruiting

region

ACT, NSW, NT, NZ, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

type of ms

Relapsing remitting MS

Brief summary

Lifestyle factors are known to affect the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Multiple Sclerosis Online Course (MSOC) has been developed to deliver a widely accessible and user-friendly educational tool regarding modification of lifestyle related risk factors for people with MS. The intervention consists of arms: 1. an MS Online intervention course based delivering evidence-based information regarding modifiable lifestyle related risk factors implicated in disease progression; and 2. an MS Online standard-care course, similar in format and presentation, but containing general information sourced from standard MS websites. Both courses have seven modules delivered over six weeks. Having conducted a feasibility study, (ACTRN12621000245897) the purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the intervention course compared with the standard-care arm in a larger randomised controlled trial.

The study hypothesis is that undertaking an MS Online Course delivering evidence based information regarding the modification of lifestyle related risk factors will lead to changed behaviours and improved health outcomes for people with MS.

To sign up for the course, please click here.

Inclusion criteria

1. Be able to read, write, and speak English;
2. Be 18 years old or over;
3. Have a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS (by a neurologist);
4. Be able to access the internet and be able to view sessions

Exclusion criteria

1. Experiencing any serious co-morbid chronic illness or neurological illness/injury other than MS that would threaten regular participation or significantly affect the outcome measures in its own right, such as motor neurone disease or stroke, as determined by the study investigators;
2. Currently participating in another MS study.

Anticipated start date

Currently recruiting
Next course runs from 24 July to 3 September 2023

Recruitment contacts

Dr Sandra Neate
Neuroepidemiology Unit
Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Level 3, 207 Bouverie Street Carlton
The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010
Australia
Email: neu-research@unimelb.edu.au

Further details

To sign up for the course, please click here.

Further information can be found on the ANZCTR website.

Region

NSW/ACT/SA/VIC/QLD/WA/TAS/NT/NZ

Ethics approval

Yes

Last updated

23/06/2023

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