Online activity coaching improved selected outcomes in a small multiple sclerosis trial
A pilot trial found increased moderate-to-vigorous activity and improvements in selected mental health measures after an online behavioral program.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The coaching group improved in device-measured moderate-to-vigorous activity, a self-reported activity measure, depressive symptoms and mental quality of life. Changes over time differed significantly between the intervention and waitlist groups for these outcomes. This is preliminary evidence from a small pilot trial, with no reported follow-up beyond the intervention period.
This abstract-based summary concerns a small, unblinded pilot trial. It cannot establish whether activity gains persist or whether the program changes the course of multiple sclerosis.
What researchers found
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
Change within the coaching group from baseline to 16 weeks; activity was device-measured. The comparison group was waitlisted, but this estimate is not the difference between groups.
Activity was measured several ways
Researchers combined device data with questionnaires. The abstract reports positive results for moderate-to-vigorous activity and a questionnaire, but does not provide results for steps, light activity or the other activity questionnaire.
Reading the comparison
Statistical tests compared how the groups changed over time. The reported activity increase describes the coaching group's own change; the abstract does not give the size of its advantage over the waitlist.
The original publication
Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial of a COM-B-based physical activity behavior-change intervention in people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Huynh TL, Motl RW
Mult Scler Relat Disord · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41643560
- Record checked
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