Changing physical activity behaviour in people with MS: the iStep-MS trial
Staying active brings many physical and mental health benefits, but having multiple sclerosis (MS) can make regular exercise difficult. The iStep-MS study looks at a new way to help people with MS sit less and safely build more movement into their everyday routines. Participants are randomly placed into one of two groups. One group carries on with their normal daily care. The other group attends four individual sessions with a physiotherapist over three months at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre. During these visits, people set personal goals, use step counters, and keep an activity diary. Researchers are testing whether this programme is safe, practical, and easy to stick to. Taking part may boost your energy and confidence, though some people may experience temporary muscle aches or tiredness as their activity levels change.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Healthy nerves have a protective fatty coating that helps messages travel smoothly. In MS, the body's immune system accidentally damages this coating. This disrupts nerve signals and can cause symptoms like muscle weakness, balance problems, and extreme tiredness.
Being physically active can make a big difference to people living with MS, helping to improve strength, mood, and overall wellbeing. Even so, many people find it tough to stay active and end up spending long periods sitting or resting. The iStep-MS project was created to find practical, gentle ways to help people break up long sitting times and move more during the day.
This study tests a specially designed programme based on successful support methods used in general practice. By working with physiotherapists and using step counters and diaries, researchers hope to give people the tools and confidence to stay active safely. If this small trial is successful, it could lead to larger studies and help shape future NHS care for people with MS.
Key takeaways
- Tests a supportive coaching programme to help people with MS move more and sit less.
- Half of the participants receive four physiotherapy sessions over three months; the other half continue usual care.
- Involves tracking daily steps, setting personal goals, and using an activity diary.
- Open to people with MS who can walk indoors, with or without a walking aid.
- Held at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre to test if the programme is safe and easy to follow.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. To take part, you must be able to walk independently inside your own home. It is completely fine if you need to use a walking stick or a walking frame to do this.
You should have had no MS relapses in the past three months and be in generally stable health, without uncontrolled conditions such as unstable heart problems. You also need to be able to travel to the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre in Reading for your sessions and have a good enough understanding of English to complete the forms.
You cannot take part if you are currently pregnant or if you are already taking part in another clinical trial testing a treatment.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- I have not had an MS relapse in the last three months.
- I can walk inside my home independently, with or without a walking aid.
- I am able to travel to the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre in Reading.
- I am not currently pregnant.
- I am not already taking part in another clinical trial testing a treatment.
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you will first have a health assessment and fill in some questionnaires. You will then be randomly assigned by a computer to one of two groups, giving you a 50-50 chance of being in either group. If you are in the first group, you simply continue with your normal daily life. If you are in the second group, you will attend four one-to-one sessions with a trained physiotherapist over a three-month period at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.
In these sessions, you will talk about practical ways to sit less and move more, set realistic goals, and track your daily steps using a pedometer and diary. There are no new medicines involved. All participants will wear a small movement monitor taped to their skin for short periods and answer questions about their energy levels and general health. The main study activities take place over about three months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Berkshire MS Therapy CentreUnverifiedReading, England
Common questions
Will I have to take any new medications?
No. This trial only looks at physical activity, coaching sessions, and lifestyle changes. No drugs are tested.
Can I join if I use a walking stick or frame?
Yes. As long as you can walk inside your home on your own using your walking aid, you can take part.
Can I choose which group I am put into?
No. A computer puts participants into groups at random to make sure the trial results are fair and reliable.
Where do the sessions take place?
The physiotherapy coaching sessions take place in person at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre in Reading, UK.
What happens if I feel too tired to continue?
You can take breaks or withdraw from the study at any time. Leaving the trial will not affect your usual healthcare in any way.
How to find out more
Jennifer Ryan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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