← Back to browse

Increasing Physical Activity via Provider Support and Engagement Using a Digital Health Platform in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

AuthorsDawn M EhdeSarah B SimmonsKevin N AlschulerTracy E HerringAndrew T HumbertSusan R RoblesOtari IoselianiOAKarla LandisOALaurie B KavanaghCindy Y Lin
Year2025
VenueJMIR Research Protocols

Background: The benefits of physical activity are well established in people with multiple sclerosis (MS); yet, most people with MS are insufficiently active. Although many apps and devices are available to promote physical activity, these are not connected to electronic health records (EHRs), making it difficult for health care providers to prescribe and monitor their patients’ physical activity. The ExerciseRx platform is an innovative cloud-based, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant software platform (app+provider dashboard) that was developed to bridge the gap between consumer activity tracking devices, such as personal smartphones, and the EHR. The ExerciseRx app tracks a patient’s physical activity using their existing personal smartphone and provides a personalized graded progression in step count goals to increase step count gradually and safely over time. The ExerciseRx app also translates the activity data into actionable metrics on a provider dashboard within the EHR that the provider can use to make activity recommendations and monitor patients’ progress; they can also support patients by providing semiautomated weekly feedback and encouragement in meeting physical activity goals.

Tags

JMIRStage 1 Manuscript
i