Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Regina
Disqualifiers: High physical activity, Seizure history, Other neurological conditions, Relapse, Psychiatric diagnosis, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 1 Jurisdiction
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?A growing body of work suggests that regular exercise can support symptom management and improve physical function for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although exercise is known to be beneficial for managing many symptoms related to MS, its effects on the central nervous system, and whether these effects change with different types of exercise, are not well understood. Here, the investigators have designed a clinical trial that compares the effects of distinct exercise protocols on aspects of physical function, physical fitness, and central nervous system function. This research will be the first to compare the effects of different types of exercise on central nervous system changes in people with MS.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercise, Physical Activity, Workout, Fitness Training for Multiple Sclerosis?
Research shows that exercise can improve daily life for people with multiple sclerosis by reducing depression and fatigue, enhancing quality of life, and improving physical functions like walking and cognitive performance.
12345Is exercise safe for people with multiple sclerosis?
Exercise is generally safe for people with multiple sclerosis. Studies show that exercise does not increase the risk of relapse and the risk of adverse events (unwanted side effects) is similar to that in healthy populations.
56789How does exercise as a treatment for multiple sclerosis differ from other treatments?
Exercise is a unique treatment for multiple sclerosis because it is a non-drug approach that can improve physical function and brain health without increasing the risk of relapses. Unlike traditional drug therapies, exercise involves physical activity like aerobic and resistance training, which can enhance strength and cognition in a safe and well-tolerated manner.
410111213Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate motor disability and can safely exercise. They should not be highly active already, haven't had an MS relapse in the last three months, and don't have other neurological conditions, psychiatric diagnoses or substance abuse issues.Inclusion Criteria
My condition is progressive MS, diagnosed by a neurologist.
Physician clearance for exercise
I have moderate difficulty moving around due to my condition.
+1 more
Exclusion Criteria
Baseline score >24 on the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (i.e., high physical activity levels)
I have never had a seizure or other reasons I can't have TMS.
Substance abuse
+3 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants engage in one of three distinct exercise programs focusing on mobility, fitness, or flexibility, delivered three times per week in 60-minute group sessions
12 weeks
36 visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments conducted immediately before, after, and six weeks following completion of the exercise programs
6 weeks
Participant Groups
The study is testing how different types of exercises affect physical function, fitness, and central nervous system changes in individuals with MS. Participants will be assigned to one of three distinct exercise protocols to see which has the most beneficial effects.
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: Exercise Group 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
The intervention will focus on mobility and balance.
Group II: Exercise Group 2Active Control1 Intervention
This intervention will focus on physical fitness.
Group III: Exercise Group 3Placebo Group1 Intervention
This intervention will focus on flexibility, range of motion, and muscle tone.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of ReginaRegina, Canada
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of ReginaLead Sponsor
First Steps Wellness CentreCollaborator
Saskatchewan Health Research FoundationCollaborator
University of SaskatchewanCollaborator
References
Effect of Exercise Training on Fitness in Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis. [2022]To provide a quantitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of exercise training on muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Physical Exercise and MS Recommendations. [2022]The use of physical exercise programmes in the rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been a controversial issue for many years. During the last decade, however, evidence from a number of studies has suggested that exercise is a safe and efficient way to induce improvements in a number of physiological functions, which ultimately can lead to functional improvements that have a positive effect on a patients daily life. The purpose of this review is, based on the existing research, to provide clinicians with some easily administrable recommendations for the application of exercise in the rehabilitation strategy of MS.
[Multiple sclerosis and exercise : effects of physical activity on the immune system]. [2021]Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory CNS disease which accounts for functional impairment and lasting disability in young adults. Current studies demonstrate that physical activity in patients with MS counteracts depression and fatigue and may improve quality of life. Interventional studies have described a reduction of the functional impairment in MS patients. This report presents information on the effects of physical activity on the immune system and the release of neurotrophic factors, and highlights current data on a potential immunomodulatory effect of exercise in multiple sclerosis.
Current perspectives on exercise training in the management of multiple sclerosis. [2021]The science supporting the application of exercise training and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) has expanded considerably in strength and scope over the past 25+ years. Exercise training is now a strategy that is commonly recommended for management of MS in clinical practice. Yet, there are still many opportunities for expanding the breadth and strength of research on exercise training in MS.
Lessons learned from clinical trials of exercise and physical activity in people with MS - guidance for improving the quality of future research. [2022]The body of research on exercise and physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis(MS) has expanded rapidly in quantity, but not necessarily quality, over the past 20+ years. There is evidence for beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity on immune cells and neurotrophic factors, brain structure and function, walking and cognitive performance, fatigue, depression, and pain, and quality of life among persons with MS. Nevertheless, there is heterogeneity in the outcomes of exercise and physical activity, and a recognition of substantial challenges for improving the effectiveness of those behaviors in MS. To move the field forward, members of the National MS Society physical wellness research working-group pooled collective experiences for identifying challenges, logistic complexities, and opportunities for researchers in designing and conducting interventions of exercise and physical activity among persons with MS. We examined the scope of our experiences and identified collective "lessons learned" regarding the behaviors themselves; study design features and stage of research; study setting, safety, and sample selection; and implementation of randomized controlled trials(RCTs) and treatment fidelity. This paper provides a resource that can inform researchers, particularly new investigators or established investigators transitioning into MS, on conducting high-quality RCTs on exercise and physical activity in MS.
High-intensity resistance training in multiple sclerosis - An exploratory study of effects on immune markers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and on mood, fatigue, health-related quality of life, muscle strength, walking and cognition. [2022]High-intensity resistance training is unexplored in people with multiple sclerosis.
The safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. [2022]There are many reviews documenting the benefits of exercise training among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, we are unaware of a review that summarizes the risks of relapse and other adverse events (AEs) associated with exercise training, yet this is critical for informing decisions and recommendations regarding the safety of this behavior. We conducted a systematic review of relapse and other AEs reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise training in MS. We searched electronic databases for RCTs of exercise training in MS. We calculated the rate of relapse and AEs, and the relative risk of relapse and AEs for exercise training versus control. Twenty-six studies were reviewed that included 1295 participants. We determined that the rate of relapse was 6.3% and 4.6% for control and exercise, respectively. The rate of AEs was 1.2% and 2.0% for control and exercise, respectively. The relative risk of relapse for exercise training was 0.73, whereas the relative risk of AE for exercise training was 1.67. Exercise training was not associated with an increased risk of relapse, and risk of AEs was not higher than in healthy populations. This evidence should alleviate uncertainty regarding the safety of exercise training in MS.
Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]A review of the safety profile of exercise training in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been conducted since 2013.
Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis. [2020]Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with an estimated prevalence approaching 1 million adults in the United States. The disease pathogenesis and resulting damage express as dysfunction (e.g., walking and cognitive impairment) and symptoms (e.g., fatigue and depression) that compromise quality of life (QOL) and full participation. There has been a steadily increasing body of research on the outcomes of exercise among persons with MS, and this has accelerated sharply over the past decade. The current chapter provides a review of exercise and its outcomes, safety, and prescription in MS. This chapter initially reviews the evidence for benefits of exercise based principally on meta-analyses and literature reviews. The chapter then reviews evidence on the safety of exercise in MS and lastly provides guidelines for exercise prescription in MS. Collectively, this chapter serves as an overview and reference for researchers and clinicians interested in the benefits, safety, and prescription of exercise in MS.
Effects of a resistance training program in multiple sclerosis Spanish patients: a pilot study. [2019]Physical exercise is regarded as a useful tool in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Generally, physical rehabilitation have been based on the prescription of aerobic exercises, while fewer programs have been aimed at developing muscular strength.
Exercise therapy in multiple sclerosis and its effects on function and the brain. [2018]Exercise therapy is a promising nonpharmacological therapy in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although exercise training may induce a transient worsening of symptoms in some MS patients, it is generally considered safe and does not increase the risk of relapses. Exercise training can lead to clinically relevant improvements in physical function, but should be considered an adjunct to specific task-based training. Exercise has also shown positive effects on the brain, including improvements in brain volume and cognition. In summary, exercise therapy is a safe and potent nonpharmacological intervention in MS, with beneficial effects on both functional capacity and the brain.
Exercise in multiple sclerosis. [2022]Exercise is an intervention that may be used in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Certain exercise physiology characteristics are commonly seen among persons with MS, particularly in the more debilitated. Studies have shown that properly prescribed exercise programs can improve modifiable impairments in MS. Exercise is generally safe and well tolerated. General guidelines are available for exercise prescription for the MS population. There are several recommendations that may help improve the quality of future MS exercise trials.
Effect of exercising at minimum recommendations of the multiple sclerosis exercise guideline combined with structured education or attention control education - secondary results of the step it up randomised controlled trial. [2018]Recent exercise guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) recommend a minimum of 30 min moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercise twice per week. This trial compared the secondary outcomes of a combined 10-week guideline based intervention and a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) education programme with the same exercise intervention involving an attention control education.