Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for Persons Newly Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment tested

• Physical activity condition
• Waitlist condition

Other measures (5)

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 years or older * self-reported diagnosis of MS by a neurologist within the past 2 years * relapse-free for the past 30 days * ability to speak and read English as primary language * internet and e-mail access, and willingness to complete the testing and questionnaires * ambulatory without an assistive device (e.g., cane) * insufficiently active (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) \< 14) * visual ability and literacy to read newsletter with font size 14 points * on a disease-modifying therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant * have elevated risk for undertaking strenuous or maximal exercise based on two or more affirmatives on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

The overall objective of the current study is to determine the efficacy of a 16-week remotely delivered lifestyle behavioral intervention compared with a control condition (i.e., waitlist control) in persons newly diagnosed with MS (disease duration ≤ 2 years). Specific Aim 1: To evaluate the changes in self-report and device-measured physical activity after the 16-week remotely delivered physical activity behavior change intervention compared with a control condition (i.e., waitlist control) in persons who have diagnosed with MS within the past two years. The investigators hypothesize that the 16-week behavior change intervention will yield greater improvements in physical activity levels than the control condition immediately after the intervention. Specific Aim 2: To investigate the efficacy of the 16-week, remotely delivered physical activity behavior change intervention compared with the control condition for improvements in fatigue, depression, anxiety, and QoL in persons newly diagnosed with MS. The investigators hypothesize that there will be beneficial effects on the symptoms and QoL outcomes immediately after the physical activity intervention compared with minimal changes in the control condition.