Identifying patient preferences for telehealth exercise therapy in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional survey to inform the ‘ideal exercise program’.
Shavaughn Baynton1, Georgios Mavropalias1,2, Inderpreet Kaur1, FECA Van Rens 1, YC Learmonth1,3,4 1School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Western Australia, Australia2School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, Australia3Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia 4Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Western Australia, Australia
Abstract
Physical activity and exercise are crucial components of multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Many Australians with MS do not have access to exercise clinics due to barriers such as geographical location or cost. Telehealth exercise can improve MS symptom and disease management. In this study we determined telehealth exercise program preferences among Australians with MS.
Participants completed online questionnaires on current physical activity levels, preferences towards exercise prescription variables (type, frequency, duration, intensity, setting), facilitative resource needs, and delivery method. Logistic regression and ANOVA compared preferences between participants stratified to physical activity engagement.
Fifty Australians with MS responded (90% females; 45.7±11.8 years; 20% living in rural or remote region). Participants were identified as active (55.5%), moderately-active (13.3%) and insufficiently-active (31.1%). Exercise training preferences included a program duration of ≥6 months (70%), a frequency of either 4 (20%) or 5 (38%) days/week, at a moderate (50%) or moderate-to-vigorous intensity (40%), and in an indoor venue privately (66%). Most participants were willing to track their progress (68%), through mobile apps (82.4%) and consult with exercise specialists through emails (62.5%), and video calls (57.5%). Preferred exercises included aerobic (94%), flexibility (94%%), balance (76%), multimodal exercises (e.g., yoga) (74%), and resistance exercises (70%). Facilitative resource preferences included a behavioural exercise coach (80%), providing MS-specific information (41%), and behavioural change strategies (46%). A higher intensity was preferred by active persons compared to insufficiently-active (P=0.04).
Resources should be put towards telehealth exercise programs for Australians with MS, delivered by healthcare professionals.
Biography
Biographies to come