OBJECTIVE: to evaluate if a novel intervention involving individualized behaviour change strategies delivered by physiotherapists has an effect on physical activity levels in people with MS who were previously inactive compared with usual care. DESIGN: prospective, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Community settings across Saskatchewan, Canada PARTICIPANTS: Individuals diagnosed with MS, >
18 years of age, and able to walk with or without aids were invited to participate from an MS Saskatchewan database. INTERVENTION: The intervention group received individualized physical activity behavioural coaching for 12 months compared to a usual care control group. There were three consistent features of the intervention: behaviour change techniques, recommendations for physical activity, and ongoing physiotherapist support. However, these components were tailored to each participant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in physical activity levels at 12 months on the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Secondary measures included MS symptoms (MSIS-29), confidence with managing MS (MSSE) and exercise self-efficacy (EXSE). RESULTS: 120 participants (mean age 53 years, 78% female, average disease duration 14.7 years) were enrolled and 117 completed primary outcome. At month 12 the mean (95% CI) difference between intervention and control group for GLTEQ was 15.9 (12.5 to 28.4). This improvement occurred regardless of age, gender, if on an MS drug, time since relapse, or co-morbidity history. In the intervention group, 33.9% were sufficiently active for substantial health benefits compared to 6.9% in the control group at month 12 (p<
0.001). At baseline, these proportions were 3.4 % and 4.9% respectively. Improvement occurred on the MSSE and EXSE at 12 months in favor of the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels and exercise self-efficacy improved clinically and significantly with neurophysiotherapist led individualized coaching.