Impact Program for Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of a four week diet coaching program on pain, fatigue, mood, and dietary habits among adults with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic disabling central nervous system (CNS) disease in young adults, affecting 1 in 1,000 people in Western countries. Disproportionate and unpredictable impacts of co-morbid health conditions enhances the needs for comprehensive MS management and wellness strategies. However, comprehensive care is limited, forcing many people to neglect critical aspects of their wellness. This creates a profound need for health and wellness programs that provide education, connection, and activation. Research shows a consistent need for more access to reliable information regarding symptoms, management, access to healthcare professionals, and rehabilitation. There is also a primary unmet need for more information on exercise, nutrition, insurance, transportation, and employment. People living with MS often receive more information from advocacy organizations than their MS nurse or neurologist. Decreased access to healthcare professionals since the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for credible information from organizations like Can Do MS. Over the past year, Can Do MS has seen significant growth in virtual program attendance, with participant identifying "learning new information" as a critical objective. A multipronged approach utilizing auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles is the preferred method for delivering information. There is also a need to appeal to multiple sensory channels through complimentary mediums (e.g. video, audio, written materials, tactile activities). We will study the effects of the four week coaching program on dietary patterns in MS patients. This will be done through surveys the participants will complete through Qulatrics.

Participants will complete a 4-week coaching program in an on-line group setting. The purpose of the program will be to help participants change dietary behaviors via a small changes approach.

Inclusion Criteria: All participants will be adults ages 18 to 65 diagnosed with any form of MS. Caregivers are also invited to attend the program if they would like to. No restrictions will be made based on sex, gender or other condition. Exclusion Criteria: If the subjects are outside of the age range they will not be able to participate.