Graduation Date

5-2018

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Department or Program

Occupational Therapy

Department or Program Chair

Julia Wilbarger PhD, OTR/L

First Reader

Susan Morris, PhD, OTR/L

Second Reader

Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of a mobile health application (mHealth app) in conjunction with energy conservation management techniques will result in a decrease in fatigue for adults with multiple sclerosis.

METHOD: Using a quantitative, exploratory, pre-posttest design, we examined outcomes associated with the use of the mHealth app, Pace My Day, by seven participants during one chosen task over two weeks. The app reinforced the use of energy conservation management techniques during the chosen task. Outcome measures included Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the MFIS scores indicating a decrease in fatigue over the two-week period t (6) =5.75, p=0.001. Additionally, there was a significant increase in satisfaction with performance of the chosen task as measured by the COPM over the two-week period t (6) =-3.359, p=0.015.

CONCLUSION: The use of a mHealth app to support energy conservation management education was found to significantly reduce levels of fatigue and increase self-perceived performance and satisfaction with task execution.

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