Validation of the activPAL activity monitor in MS

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Validation of the activPAL activity monitor in people moderately affected by Multiple Sclerosis

• IRAS ID

  195931

• Contact name

  Debra Stuart

• Contact email

  debra.stuart@glasgow.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Glasgow

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 8 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  The aim of this study is to assess the validity of the activPAL activity monitor during walking activity in people moderately affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our research group are currently undertaking a web-based physiotherapy project in people with MS (Web-PaMS) with EDSS levels 4-6.5. As part of this project participants complete a home exercise programme and attend study assessments at various time points over a 9 month period. In this study the activPAL activity monitor (Pal technologies, Glasgow UK), worn on the front of the mid-thigh, is used to measure free-living physical activity. However, the validity of this device for measuring steps taken and walking duration is relatively unknown in those with higher levels of disability.
  
  This study will recruit 26 people with MS (pwMS) from NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Participants will be recruited from those already taking part in the WEB-PaMS project. Participants will be informed of this study by the research team, provided with a participant information sheet and given the opportunity to ask questions. This study will be conducted after the study assessment for the WEB-PaMS trial (in the same appointment), therefore will reduce participant burden. The activPAL activity monitor will be attached to the front of the mid-thigh of the strongest or dominant leg. Participants will be asked to walk for 30 metres followed by a 2 minute rest, and this will be repeated. During this, the lower half of the body will be recorded by video to record steps taken and time spent walking. These outcomes from the activPAL will be compared to direct observation from video using 2 independent raters.

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/SC/0783

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 Dec 2015

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion