Pilutti et al. 2014 

Internet-delivered lifestyle physical activity intervention improves body composition in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence from a randomized controlled trial

USA

RCT

PEDro=6

N_Initial=82, N_Final=72

Population: Physical activity group (n=41): Mean age=48.4yr; Gender: males=11, females=30; Disease course: RRMS=31, PPMS=2, SPMS=8; Median PDDS=2.0; Mean disease duration=10.6yr. Waitlist control group (n=41): Mean age=49.5yr; Gender: males=9, females=32; Disease course: RRMS=34, PPMS=5, SPMS=2; Median PDDS=3.0; Mean disease duration=13.0yr.

Intervention: Individuals were randomized to the intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention received online information on physical activity and a pedometer to increase physical activity, particularly walking. There were also video conferences with a behavioural coach based on principles of social cognitive theory. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6mo.
Outcomes/Outcome Measures: Whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and soft tissue composition were assessed by DXA using a Hologic QDR 4500A bone densitometer (software version 11.2); body mass index; percent body fat; whole-body fat mass; whole-body lean soft tissue mass.

1.      The physical activity group had significantly greater whole-body BMC (2269.9 ± 8.7 g, p=0.04) and BMD (1.111 ± 0.003 g/cm², p=0.01) compared to controls (2244.7 ± 8.5 g and 1.101 ± 0.003 g/cm², respectively) at 6mo.

2.      There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups at 6mo in terms of:

a.      whole-body fat mass (22,264.7± 483.9 g vs 27,611.7± 470.6 g, p=0.05),

b.      whole-body lean soft tissue mass (48,102.7 ± 248.1 g vs 48,484.5± 241.3 g, p=0.28),

c.      percent body fat (33.4 ± 0.36 vs 34.3 ± 0.35, p=0.09), and

d.      BMI (28.2± 0.24 g vs 28.2± 0.24 g, p=0.86).