One million adults in the United States are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and recent evidence suggests an increased risk of MS among Black and African-Americans. There are few primary care and MS clinics that provide full exercise and rehabilitation services for patients with MS, especially in low‐income areas in the Southeastern United States such as Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. Telerehabilitation, or the delivery of rehabilitation services over the telephone and/or the internet (e.g. Zoom), can help fill service gaps for underserved MS patient populations in this region.
The Targeted Exercise for African-Americans with Multiple Sclerosis (TEAAMS) study examines the effects of a remotely-delivered, racially-tailored exercise training program among African-Americans with MS residing in Southeastern areas of the United States. We believe the TEAAMS program will improve walking, decrease symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance quality of life among Blacks/African Americans with MS.
The TEAAMS study aims to: Heading link
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Increase physical activity
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Improve walking and symptoms
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Enhance quality of life
About the study Heading link
The TEAAMS study consists of two different 16-week home-based exercise programs completed three days per week in your home or community.
- One exercise program will consist of both aerobic and resistance training exercises, while the other program will focus on stretching and flexibility as an important part of fitness. Both programs are designed specifically for adults with MS and will be adjusted and personalized based on your needs, capabilities, and experiences.
- Participants who are eligible will be randomly assigned to either one of the exercise programs.
- Appropriate materials for completing the programs (i.e., yoga mats, resistance bands, training manual) will be provided amongst participants. Participants can keep these materials after the study ends.
- Participants will be paid $90 in compensation via gift cards for completing the TEAAMS study.
We are currently enrolling participants in Southeastern United States (e.g., Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee) Heading link
We are currently enrolling participants in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.
