Home-Based Cognitive Training for Multiple Sclerosis

(HOBSCOTCH-MS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Heather A Wishart, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Cognitive dysfunction, Visual impairment, Psychiatric illness, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of adapting and delivering the existing home-based epilepsy self-management intervention, HOBSCOTCH, for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can the current HOBSCOTCH program be adapted for people with MS? 2. Will people with MS experience improved quality of life similar to that found in people with epilepsy after participating in the HOBSCOTCH program? Participants will be asked to: * attend nine, one-hour virtual (online and/or by telephone) HOBSCOTCH-MS sessions with a one-on-one certified HOBSCOTCH-MS coach * complete a brief clinical questionnaire about their diagnosis of MS * complete four questionnaires before and after the HOBSCOTCH-MS sessions about their quality of life and about memory and thinking processes * keep a short daily diary about their MS symptoms and use of the self-management strategies taught in the HOBSCOTCH-MS program * complete a brief Satisfaction Survey after the entire HOBSCOTCH-MS program

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on cognitive training and self-management strategies, so it's likely you can continue your current treatments, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges Lives (HOBSCOTCH) for multiple sclerosis?

Research suggests that home-based cognitive training can help people with multiple sclerosis improve their thinking skills and daily life quality. Participants in a study reported that the training helped them recognize and manage their cognitive challenges, despite some negative feedback about the program. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is home-based cognitive training safe for people with multiple sclerosis?

The studies reviewed do not report any specific safety concerns related to home-based cognitive training for people with multiple sclerosis. Participants generally found the training feasible and beneficial, although some had negative perceptions about the program's feedback and usability. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How does home-based cognitive training for multiple sclerosis differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it allows patients to perform cognitive exercises at home using computer-assisted programs, which can improve cognitive functions like memory and attention. Unlike traditional in-office therapies, it offers flexibility and convenience, enabling patients to integrate the training into their daily routines. ^{1 2 4 8 9}

Research Team

Elaine T Kiriakopoulos, MD, MSc

Principal Investigator

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Heather A Wishart, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 20-65 with MS who feel they have memory or cognitive issues. They must be able to read and speak English, have completed at least a grade 12 level of education, and have access to a telephone and the internet.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

I have completed at least 12 years of education and can speak and read English.

Self-reported cognitive/memory difficulties

Exclusion Criteria

I am able to understand and give consent for my treatment.

Significant visual impairment precluding reading or writing

No reliable telephone or internet access

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend nine, one-hour virtual HOBSCOTCH-MS sessions with a certified coach

9 weeks

9 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognition and quality of life after the HOBSCOTCH-MS program

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges lives (HOBSCOTCH) (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The HOBSCOTCH program for epilepsy self-management is being tested to see if it can help improve the quality of life for those with MS. Participants will attend nine virtual sessions with a coach and complete questionnaires about their condition before and after these sessions.

Participant Groups

Group I: MS Participant with Cognitive Dysfunction Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive the HOBSCOTCH-MS intervention consisting of 1:1 sessions delivered once per week including: * 1 pre-HOBSCOTCH Session (on webcam or by phone) * 1 educational session (on webcam) * 6 HOBSCOTCH intervention sessions (webcam or phone) * 1 wrap-up session (webcam or phone)

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Lebanon, NH

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

548

Patients Recruited

2,545,000+

Findings from Research

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Computer-Assisted Cognitive Training: Feasibility and Perceptions of People with Multiple Sclerosis. Stuifbergen, A., Becker, H., Morgan, S., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of nontraditional or home-based programing on ADL performance of individuals living with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Belveal, K., Gunkel-Lam, S., Hajare, A., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving patient self-management of multiple sclerosis through a disease therapy management program. Stockl, KM., Shin, JS., Gong, S., et al.[2018]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive training in MS: effects and relation to brain atrophy. Hildebrandt, H., Lanz, M., Hahn, HK., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Focus on neglected features of cognitive rehabilitation in MS: Setting and mode of the treatment. Podda, J., Tacchino, A., Pedullà, L., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis (COB-MS): an update to the protocol for a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial. Dwyer, CP., Alvarez-Iglesias, A., Joyce, R., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Process evaluation of a self-management cognitive program for persons with multiple sclerosis. Shevil, E., Finlayson, M.[2015]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A low-cost cognitive rehabilitation with a commercial video game improves sustained attention and executive functions in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. De Giglio, L., De Luca, F., Prosperini, L., et al.[2022]

This study will evaluate the efficacy of a tablet-based serious game therapy (SGT) for cognitive rehabilitation in 150 ambulatory patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) over 4 months, comparing it to conventional cognitive exercises.

The primary outcome measure will be the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS), with expectations that the SGT will show superior improvements in cognitive processing speed and episodic memory compared to standard rehabilitation methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving cognition in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a multiarm, randomised, blinded trial of multidomain cognitive rehabilitation using a video-serious game (E-SEP cognition). Lenne, B., Degraeve, B., Davroux, J., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Computer-Assisted Cognitive Training: Feasibility and Perceptions of People with Multiple Sclerosis. [2021]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of nontraditional or home-based programing on ADL performance of individuals living with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving patient self-management of multiple sclerosis through a disease therapy management program. [2018]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive training in MS: effects and relation to brain atrophy. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Focus on neglected features of cognitive rehabilitation in MS: Setting and mode of the treatment. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis (COB-MS): an update to the protocol for a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial. [2023]

7. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Process evaluation of a self-management cognitive program for persons with multiple sclerosis. [2015]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A low-cost cognitive rehabilitation with a commercial video game improves sustained attention and executive functions in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving cognition in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a multiarm, randomised, blinded trial of multidomain cognitive rehabilitation using a video-serious game (E-SEP cognition). [2023]