To develop targeted telehealth interventions for persons with MS (pwMS): eSupport, online support groups to reduce loneliness and depression; eFIT, online accountability partner groups to increase physical activity. Both interventions leverage social ties to encourage and sustain healthy behavioral change.

Social network science reveals pwMS with stronger networks better maintain participation in cognitively-enhancing activities (physical and social leisure activities) compared to patients with weak networks. Many pwMS describe a sense of isolation and want to connect to other individuals who understand what they are going through. Online support groups and group-based targeted behavioral interventions address needs for social connection.

Feasibility trials of eSupport (NCT03574691; N=28) and eFIT (NCT038929267; N=17, actively recruiting) were conducted. Diversity of participants was notable: 69% female; 19.5% Hispanic, 16.5% Black, 2.4% Asian. Participants received 12-weeks of 1-hour weekly treatment or eJournal, active control condition. eSupport consisted of video-link, facilitated group meetings. eJournal consisted of independent online structured journaling.

Both trials demonstrated acceptable rates of adherence (eSupport: 88.9%; eFIT: 80.5%) and completion (eSupport: 96.4%; eFIT: 70.6%). Both treatments resulted in trend-level improvements in pre-specified efficacy outcomes [(eSupport: reduced loneliness based on UCLA Loneliness Scale, reduced depression based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9; eFIT: increased self-reported physical activity based on International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)].

eSupport and eFIT are affordable, accessible, acceptable, and scalable telehealth treatments that leverage social network science to address clinically meaningful needs of pwMS. One participant stated, “This group is just about the best thing I’ve got going in my life right now.” Results of these feasibility trials constitute a necessary level of evidence to warrant future Phase-III trials.