Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity and Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Feb 23, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how physical activity can help improve sexual dysfunction in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Sexual dysfunction is more common in women with MS than in the general population and can affect their overall happiness and quality of life. The study will focus on a program delivered online that encourages women to be more active, with the hope that it will lead to better sexual health and well-being.

To participate in this trial, women must be diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, be between the ages of 18 and 45, and have experienced sexual dysfunction. They should also be in a committed relationship and have access to the internet. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, wear a pedometer to track their activity, and be willing to be randomly assigned to different groups within the study. This research is still in the planning stages and has not yet started recruiting participants, but if successful, it could provide valuable insights into non-drug ways to help women with MS manage their sexual health.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Female
• • 2. Diagnosed of relapsing remmiting multiple sclerosis
• • 3. Relapse free in the past 30 days
• • 4. Initial confirmation of sexual dysfunction (based on a semi-structured interview on sexual dysfunction diagnostic criteria in DSM-5)
• • 5. Currently in a committed relationship with a partner who does not have a sexual disorder or sexual dysfunction
• • 6. Internet and email access
• • 7. Willingness to complete the questionnaires, wear the pedometer, and undergo randomization
• • 8. Insufficient physical activity \[not meeting current physical activity guidelines based on a health contribution score of less than 14 units from the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ)\]
• • 9. Ability to ambulate without assistance \[self-report and Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score between 0 and 2 (mild ambulatory disability)\]
• • 10. Age between 18 and 45 years
• • 11. English as primary language
• • -
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Moderate or high risk for contraindications of possible injury or death when undertaking strenous or maximal exercise
• • -