Primary results from the targeted exercise for African-Americans with multiple sclerosis project.
Robert W Motl, Whitney N Neal, Dorothy Pekmezi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This parallel-group randomized controlled trial assessed remotely delivered, culturally tailored exercise training versus stretching and flexibility in 123 African-American participants with multiple sclerosis. The 4-month programs were evaluated using patient-reported outcomes at baseline, immediate follow-up, and 4-month follow-up. For the primary outcome, walking dysfunction measured by the MSWS-12, there was no statistically significant condition-by-time interaction (p = .40). Scores improved over time (p < .005), with reductions from baseline in both groups at follow-up exceeding the established 8-point minimal clinically important difference. The findings provide preliminary evidence of benefit from both approaches.
Key findings
- The condition-by-time interaction for MSWS-12 scores was not statistically significant (p = .40).
- MSWS-12 scores showed a significant time effect (p < .005), with reductions from baseline in both groups exceeding the established MCID of 8 points.
- The trial randomized 123 participants: 63 to culturally tailored exercise training and 60 to stretching and flexibility.
Why it matters
Walking dysfunction is a patient-reported outcome of interest in multiple sclerosis. In this trial among African-American participants, both remotely delivered exercise approaches were associated with improvements that exceeded the stated clinically important threshold. The absence of a significant difference in change between groups means the results do not establish that the culturally tailored program was superior to stretching and flexibility.
What to keep in mind
The primary outcome was patient-reported, and the trial found no statistically significant condition-by-time interaction; the abstract describes the evidence as preliminary.