Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity and Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Change from baseline Sexual Dysfunction at 16 weeks

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): is a common generic measure of sexual dysfunction for women. The questionnaire consists of 19 questions that cover six subscales/domains of sexual function: sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain. The items further yield an overall score. Lower sum scores reflect more pronounced sexual dysfunction.

Change from baseline Sexual Dysfunction in MS at 16 weeks

The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19) is the most widely used self-rating tool for sexual functions in MS (Sanders et al., 2000). The MSISQ-19 consists of 19 items focusing on the perceived influence of MS symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction and the perceived influence of MS symptoms on the overall quality of intimate relationships. The scores classifies the type of sexual dysfunction in to primary, secondary, or tertiary sexual dysfunction.

Change from baseline Physical activity at 16 weeks

GLTEQ: Physical Activity Levels as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Participants will complete the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) as a measure of the frequency of strenuous, moderate, and mild leisure-time physical activity performed for periods of 15 minutes or more over a typical week. Summary scores are calculated by multiplying the number of strenuous, moderate, and mild bouts by 9, 5, and 3, respectively, and summing those values into an overall score that ranges from 0 to 119; higher scores are represent a greater volume of physical activity. This will be completed at baseline testing.

Change from baseline physical activity duration at 16 weeks

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The IPAQ was developed by a working group initiated by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The IPAQ asks participants about time spent in physical activity over the last seven days. Minutes of walking, sedentary-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities were calculated for the past week.

Stability and changes of Fatigue over time

Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS); scores range between 1 (min) and 7 (max), higher scores reflect greater fatigue severity.

Change from Baseline Depression at 16 weeks

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); scores range between 0 (min) and 21 (max), higher scores reflect greater frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Change from Baseline Anxiety at 16 weeks

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); scores range between 0 (min) and 21 (max), higher scores reflect greater frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Change from Baseline Subjective sleep complaints at 16 weeks

Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). This questionnaire is a seven-item screening measure for insomnia. The items, answered on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (=not at all) to 4 (=very much), refer in part to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for insomnia by assessing difficulty falling asleep, difficulty remaining asleep, early morning awakenings, impaired daytime performance, low satisfaction with sleep, and worry about sleep. The higher the overall score, the more the participant is assumed to suffer from insomnia.