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Journal article
Clinician-led, single-blind, randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a high-intensity resistance and impact training intervention for improving health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: protocol for STRONG-MS
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, Vol.12(1), e003181
2026
PMID: 41736941
Abstract
Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity and experience higher rates of osteoporosis, falls and fractures than the general population, contributing to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased healthcare costs. High-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) has beneficial effects on bone, muscle and physical function in other populations, but its effectiveness in people with MS is unclear.
Methods and analysis: STRONG-MS is a codesigned, clinician-led, single-blind, randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of a HiRIT programme, ONERO, on HRQoL for people with MS. Secondary aims include assessing changes in bone mineral density, body composition, physical function, fatigue, mood as well as intervention safety, feasibility, acceptability, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. One hundred and eighty participants will be randomised (2:1) to ONERO or usual care for 12 months. The intervention comprises two times weekly, supervised, small-group sessions delivered by accredited allied health professionals. Outcomes will be assessed at 12 and 24 months using intention-to-treat analyses. Sustainability will be evaluated during a second 12-month period, during which participants fund ongoing participation privately or through support schemes.
Ethics and dissemination: The study has approval from a Health Human Research Ethics Committee. All participants will provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and summaries for participants, consumer representatives and community organisations. This study will provide novel evidence on the ability of the ONERO to improve HRQoL and musculoskeletal health in people with MS as well as its feasibility, acceptability and sustainability, to inform poststudy implementation.
Details
- Title
- Clinician-led, single-blind, randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a high-intensity resistance and impact training intervention for improving health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: protocol for STRONG-MS
- Authors/Creators
- Lisa Grech - Deakin UniversityBelinda Beck - Griffith UniversityDavid Scott - Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, AustraliaMarc Sim - Edith Cowan UniversityJakub Mesinovic - Deakin UniversityPaul Jansons - Deakin UniversityFernanda Rodrigues Fonseca - Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, AustraliaJulie Abimanyi-Ochom - Deakin UniversityMichelle Allan - Frankston HospitalStefan Blum - Brisbane School of TheologyErnest Butler - Frankston HospitalWilliam Carroll - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceNigel Caswell - Blackburn CollegePeter Ebeling - Monash HealthVanessa Gan - Monash HealthAlan Herschtal - Monash UniversityNevin John - Monash UniversityAllan Kermode - The University of Western AustraliaLinh Le-Kavanagh - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceShalika Bohingamu Mudiyanselage - Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, AustraliaLynne Elizabeth Ohman - Blackburn CollegeMia Poposka - Community Arts NetworkAlison Reece - Blackburn CollegePhoebe Sansom - Monash HealthCharlotte Scroggie - Monash HealthChristopher Todaro - Deakin UniversityJennifer Watts - Deakin UniversityAyse Zengin - Monash Health
- Publication Details
- BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, Vol.12(1), e003181
- Publisher
- BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- 2032017 / Medical Research Future Fund (Australian Government) GNT1174886 / National Health and Medical Research Council (Australian Government) WANMAEL2024-25/21 / Future Health Research & Innovation Fund (Government of Western Australia)
- Identifiers
- 991005867186107891
- Copyright
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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