The Multiple Sclerosis Online Course (MSOC)

January 10, 2022 | Education, Research, Study

Lifestyle factors are known to affect the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Multiple Sclerosis Online Course (MSOC) has been developed to deliver a widely accessible and user-friendly educational tool regarding modification of lifestyle related risk factors for people with MS.

The intervention consists of arms:

1.       An MS Online intervention course based delivering evidence-based information regarding modifiable lifestyle related risk factors implicated in disease progression

2.       An MS Online standard-care course, similar in format and presentation, but containing general information sourced from standard MS websites.

Having conducted a feasibility study, (ACTRN12621000245897) the purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the intervention course compared with the standard-care arm in a larger randomised controlled trial.

The study hypothesis is that undertaking an MS Online Course delivering evidence-based information regarding the modification of lifestyle related risk factors will lead to changed behaviours and improved health outcomes for people with MS.

What will participants be asked to do?

·         Complete a baseline survey related to life and health online

·         Complete a FREE 6-week MS online course related to diet, exercise, sunlight and vitamin D, stress reduction and other information about MS.

·         Complete an online survey related to life and health at 6-months, 1 year and 2.5 years after completing the online course.

·         May be invited to participate in a phone or internet interview about experience of the online course (with option to decline)

Eligible participants must:

·         Be able to read, write, and speak English

·         Be 18 years old or over

·         Have a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS (by a neurologist)

·         Be able to access the internet and be able to view sessions

Anticipated start date:
January – February 2022

Contacts:
Asso. Prof. Sandra Neate
Neuroepidemiology Unit
Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Level 3, 207 Bouverie Street Carlton
The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010
Australia
Email: neu-research@unimelb.edu.au

Further details:
Further information can be found on the ANZCTR website and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MSOCResearch