The qualitative data will be important for: explaining physical activity behaviours in older adults with MS, establishing the perceived consequences of participation in our programme, and gathering feedback to refine future physical activity interventions for older people with MS. Secondary outcomes A battery of secondary outcomes Ganetespib mw including measures of physical activity, cognition, functional limitations and pain will be assessed pre-intervention and
post-intervention. The complete list of secondary outcomes is shown in table 1. Testing appointments All testing sessions, at both time points, will be conducted and supervised by individuals who are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified and have undergone extensive training to minimise the risk to participants. The research team responsible for administering the tests will be blinded regarding participants’ treatment allocation. Next,
participants will complete a series of clinical, functional and cognitive tests. The order of these assessments will be predetermined and standardised. Furthermore, participants will be provided with periods of rest throughout the testing session to help minimise potential fatigue that may result from participation in the functional fitness tests. Specifically, participants will complete the 25-foot walk first, followed by 3 min of rest before completing the 6 min walk. Subsequent functional assessments will be followed by additional breaks and participants will be encouraged to request additional periods of rest should they need it. Finally, prior to departing from their baseline appointment, participants will receive an initialised accelerometer to objectively measure physical activity levels along with a corresponding wear-time log. Research staff will provide verbal and written instructions, as well as a self-addressed, stamped
envelope for the return of the accelerometer and wear-time log via the USA Postal Service. Participants will be instructed to wear the accelerometer for full 7 days before mailing the device back to the laboratory. Interventions The intervention was previously Batimastat tested among older adults without MS and has been described elsewhere.24 The intervention group will receive basic exercise equipment (ie, resistance bands, yoga mat and exercise logs) and a total of three DVDs: one orientation disc and two discs containing six progressive exercise sessions. The orientation DVD will include a brief overview of the exercise programme, and a discussion of, and focus on, the importance of strength, balance and flexibility exercises for the maintenance of physical function.