NCT03550170

Fatigue Management Programs for People With MS

Comparing the Effectiveness of Fatigue Management Programs for People With MS

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 590 (actual)
• Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This is a multi-site randomized clinical trial comparing 3 modes of delivering the Managing Fatigue course for reducing fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary hypothesis is that the teleconference and internet versions of the course will be noninferior to the one-on-one, in person version in terms of the primary outcome of fatigue and secondary outcome of quality of life.

Detailed description

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS fatigue can impact all aspects of quality of life, including physical, mental, and social function. MS fatigue is a profound barrier to participating in meaningful activities, such as employment and hobbies. Currently, the FDA has not approved medications for MS fatigue in the United States (US). However, there are empirically tested, non-pharmacological strategies that can support people with MS in reducing the impact of fatigue. Thus, the aim of the study is to compare 3 modes of delivering the Managing Fatigue course-2 telerehabilitation formats (teleconference and internet) and 1-to-1, in-person format (traditional mode of clinical service delivery)-upon outcomes important to people with MS, i.e., fatigue and its impact on physical, mental, and social function. The intervention arms will focus on reducing fatigue as a strategy to directly improve physical, mental and social functioning.

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Teleconference	This intervention arm will be a 6-week, group-based course involving weekly 80-min teleconference sessions. It will be delivered in small groups (6-12 participants) to maximize participants' opportunities for interaction. A program manual divided into 6 sections, 1 for each week that includes worksheets and homework activities will be given to the participants. Occupational therapists will facilitate the sessions. Participants and the OT will dial into 1-800 conference call line on the designated date and time.
BEHAVIORAL	Internet	The internet course is similar to the teleconference format. It will occur in a 6-week period and be group based; i.e., 8-12 participants will begin the intervention at the same time and interact with each other during the 6-week period. Participants will be given a username and a password to view a different session each week at a time convenient for them. Each session will include completing practice activities and sharing information (e.g., offering advice and support to one another through the discussion forum). OTs will facilitate the discussions by responding to entries, asking questions, and providing encouragement to complete sessions.
BEHAVIORAL	1-to-1, in-person or videoconference	Unlike the teleconference and internet courses, the number and length of sessions for the 1-to-1, in-person or videoconference course will vary over the 6-week period. The OT will cover all 6 topics, but the pace will be tailored to the participants' needs and preferences. Thus, although the topics are consistent, OTs are able to spend more time on topics that participants find pertinent to their situations. The participant and OT will be instructed to meet at least 3 times with at least 7 days between each session.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-03-01
• Primary completion: 2023-04-28
• Completion: 2023-04-28
• First posted: 2018-06-08
• Last updated: 2025-02-04
• Results posted: 2024-09-23

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: United States