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Evidence indicates that exercise is safe and improves many clinical outcomes, including physical fitness, functional abilities, fatigue, depression and cognitive function in people with MS. However, many people with MS do not engage in the levels of exercise required to offer the best health outcomes for their condition. Dr Yvonne Learmonth has already developed and tested a remote telehealth delivered exercise framework, called the changing Behaviours towards Aerobic and Strength Exercise in MS programme (BASE), which uses evidence-based practice to deliver exercise via telehealth. Â
In this project, Dr Learmonth will develop and test an online education tool to train MS exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to deliver the BASE programme to people with MS. She will measure training success based on the healthcare provider’s confidence, knowledge, and behaviour towards delivering the BASE programme to people with MS. Further, in preparation for a large-scale roll-out of the BASE framework, Dr Learmonth will identify the cost of healthcare provider training and the outcomes, mechanisms and contexts which make the framework realistic for delivery within the Australian healthcare system.Â
By the end of 2022, Dr Yvonne Learmonth and her team made significant progress in their primary project. They have collaborated with physiotherapists and individuals with MS to gather feedback on the BASE healthcare provider (HCP) training program. They have integrated the feedback and finalised the training program. They have attracted 50 healthcare providers and 80 individuals with MS to participate in the program, with training for providers that commenced in March 2023 and April 2023 for individuals with MS. Â
Dr Learmonth has also continued collaborations in other projects related to exercise participation, technology in MS exercise delivery, social determinants of health in MS, and crisis resilience in MS. Several associated publications have been submitted. Â
Updated: 31 March 2023
Updated: 14 February, 2022
Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.
Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.
Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.
$225,000
3 years
