The MoXFo initiative - adherence: Exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability among people with multiple sclerosis: An overview and roadmap for research.

We know very little about exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet adherence is seemingly important for yielding immediate and sustained health benefits. This paper is focused on exercise adherence, compliance and sustainability in the context of informing research and practice involving MS. This focus is critical for clarifying terminology for future research and providing a roadmap guiding clinical research and practice. Our objective was accomplished through a narrative summary of the literature by a panel of experts on exercise adherence from the Moving Exercise Research in Multiple Sclerosis Forward (MoXFo) initiative and a concluding summary of the state of the literature and future research directions. The panel of experts identified three overall themes (Background and Importance; Understanding and Promoting Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability and Challenges to Exercise Adherence, Compliance and Sustainability) that represented a categorization of nine subthemes. These overall themes and subthemes formed the basis of our recommendations regarding future research broadly involving exercise adherence in MS. Overall, there is limited evidence on rates and determinants of exercise adherence and compliance in MS, and little is known about techniques and interventions for immediate and long-term exercise behaviour change.

The MoXFo Initiative: Using consensus methodology to move forward towards internationally shared vocabulary in multiple sclerosis exercise research.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise terminology lacks consistency across disciplines, hindering research synthesis. OBJECTIVE: The 'Moving exercise research in MS forward initiative' (MoXFo) aims to establish agreed definitions for key MS exercise terms. METHODS: The Lexicon development methodology was employed. A three-step process identified key exercise terminology for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS): (1) consensus and systematic review, (2) Delphi round 1 and consideration of existing definitions and (3) Delphi round 2 for consensus among MoXFo steering group and exercise experts. Final definitions and style harmonisation were agreed upon. RESULTS: The two-stage Delphi process resulted in the selection and scoring of 30 terminology definitions. The agreement was 100% for resistance exercise, balance and physical activity. Most terms had agreement >75%, but 'posture' (60%) and 'exercise' (65%) had a lower agreement. CONCLUSION: This study identified key terms and obtained agreement on definitions for 30 terms. The variability in agreement for some terms supports the need for clearly referencing or defining terminology within publications to enable clear communication across disciplines and to support precise synthesis and accurate interpretation of research.

Exercise Training for Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review of History, Benefits, Safety, Guidelines, and Promotion.

BACKGROUND: There have been significant advances in the medical treatment and management of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, relapse and disease progression over the past 30 years. There have been advancements in the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis, including management of secondary multiple sclerosis expressions such as walking, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue and depression. Scientific evidence and expert opinion suggest that exercise may be the single most effective non-pharmacological symptomatic treatment for multiple sclerosis. This article presents the historical context of exercise training within the multidisciplinary management of multiple sclerosis. We guide neurologists and healthcare providers on the recommended prescription of exercise and practical, theoretical methods to overcome barriers to exercise. METHOD: We undertook a critical search of the historical and current literature regarding exercise and multiple sclerosis from the viewpoint of exercise promotion by neurologists and the multidisciplinary care team. RESULTS: We highlight the ever-strengthening body of research indicating that exercise is safe and effective for improving symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Further, exercise training may be necessary for reducing disease progression. CONCLUSION: We seek to encourage neurologists and specialists in multidisciplinary healthcare teams to prescribe and promote exercise at diagnosis and across all stages of the disease trajectory using prescriptive guidelines as part of comprehensive MS care. Available tools include clinical education to dispel any historical myths related to exercise in multiple sclerosis, clinical exercise guidelines and behaviour change theory to overcome patients barriers to exercise.

Effects of a DVD-delivered exercise intervention on physical function in older adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit disease-related impairments such as compromised strength, balance, mobility, coordination, and quality of life (QOL). Exercise training as an intervention to reverse these conditions in older adults with MS is limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot trial was to examine the effects of a DVD exercise intervention targeting flexibility, strength, and balance in older adults with MS in order to generate effect sizes to power a larger trial. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to a six-month DVD exercise intervention (n = 24) or a healthy aging DVD control condition (n = 24). Measures of physical function, physical activity, sedentary behavior, QOL and program satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at follow-up. RESULTS: The DVD exercise intervention was well received with no adverse events. Effects sizes ranged from small to modest reflecting improved function, increased physical activity, decreased sitting time, and improved QOL in the intervention condition compared to the control condition. CONCLUSION: This pilot randomized controlled trial suggests that older adults with MS are receptive to an exercise program via DVD, and the program results in modest but potentially important improvements in function and physical activity.