TRACking health behavior in people with multiple sclerosis: Effects of a randomized trial on physical activity and working memory.

Objective: Multiple sclerosis is associated with impairments in working memory functioning. Lifestyle physical activity interventions show promise in improving cognitive functioning; however, the evidence is limited. We examined the efficacy of a lifestyle physical activity intervention, involving step tracking and psychoeducational materials, on improving step counts, working memory functioning, and network strength in a whole-brain network of working memory.

Method: Participants (n = 75) were randomly assigned to a group tracking steps with a pedometer (step-track), or a group tracking water intake with a smart water bottle (water-track), for 6 months. At baseline, mid, and postintervention, we assessed weekly physical activity (GT3X+ accelerometer), weekly water intake (H20 Pal Smart Bottle), and working memory functioning. Additionally, the combined network strength of a validated working memory connectome was calculated.

Results: We ran random intercept linear mixed models to examine differences between the groups, over time. A significant Group × Time interaction effect with steps and water intake indicated that the step-track group increased their steps, and the water-track group increased their water intake, in comparison to each other, from baseline to postintervention (p < .05). Both groups improved in behavioral working memory over time (p < .05). No significant differences were found on the network strength.

Conclusion: Our 6-month randomized controlled trial involving physical activity tracking showed increased step count in the intervention group. Behavioral working memory improved in both groups, potentially due to practice effects. Future studies should include both active and passive control groups to discern practice effects from intervention impact. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).