Exercise Training Program for People with Advanced Multiple Sclerosis

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$49,987
Affiliation(s)
University of Ottawa
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Researcher(s)
Dr. Lara Pilutti
Research Priorities
Life-modifying therapies
Impact Goal(s)
Advance Treatment and Care

Summary: 

  • While the benefits of exercise for people with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis (MS) are well established, less is known about the benefits of exercise for those with advanced MS, such as those who use wheelchairs.
  • With results from a preliminary study, Dr. Lara Pilutti and team have developed a 12-week exercise program tailored for people with advanced MS. This study will evaluate the program’s feasibility and its potential to help manage symptoms like fatigue and pain, and improve overall fitness level – a key factor in daily health and function.
  • This study will address key gaps in research on exercise with people with advanced MS and provide recommendations to support their participation.

Project Description: 

While exercise is known to benefit people with MS with mild-to-moderate disability, its impact on those with advanced MS, such as wheelchair users, is less known. People with MS who use wheelchairs face unique challenges and need accessible exercise programs that can be delivered at the right intensity and duration to be effective.

Dr. Lara Pilutti and team have developed a 12-week aerobic exercise training program, delivered twice a week, for people with advanced MS (EDSS = 7.0). This study will test the feasibility of the exercise program, including its potential for improving function in daily life, cognition, symptom management, and its ability to improve participants’ fitness levels. Participants will also be asked to share feedback on their training experience to help improve the exercise program and tailor it to their unique needs.

 

Potential Impact: 

This research will provide new insights into the feasibility and safety of exercise for people with advanced MS who use wheelchairs.  The research findings will help inform future studies that explore the benefits of exercise training for people with advanced MS and develop recommendations and resources to support exercise participation in this group.

Project Status: In Progress