Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity and Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is higher among women with multiple sclerosis (MS) than women in the general population. The presence of sexual dysfunction is associated with decreased well-being and quality of life. There is limited research supporting pharmacological and other therapeutic approaches for managing sexual dysfunction in MS. Physical activity has beneficial effects on many of the consequences of MS, and physical activity represents a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing symptoms of sexual dysfunction in MS. The proposed research examines the effect of an Internet-delivered lifestyle physical activity intervention for improving sexual dysfunction in women with MS. The research proposed, if successful, will provide evidence for the efficacy of physical activity as a translatable approach for managing sexual dysfunction among women with MS.