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Behavioural Intervention

Exercise Training for Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Peixuan Zheng, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Illinois at Chicago

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up changes in sf-36 scores from baseline (pre-intervention), after 16 weeks (post-intervention), and after 32 weeks (follow-up)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will test if a 16-week home-based exercise program can improve cognitive and physical function in MS patients aged 50+. Participants will be randomly assigned to an exercise or active control (stretching) group.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 50 or older with Multiple Sclerosis who can walk (with or without help) and have mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. They must have internet access, be able to visit the lab for tests, and not have had an MS relapse in the last month. People with other neurological conditions, cardiovascular diseases, or a high risk of injury from exercise cannot join.

What is being tested?

The study is testing if a home-based exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training can improve thinking skills and mobility in older adults with MS compared to a flexibility/stretching program. The exercises are done over Zoom calls with coaches for 16 weeks, followed by another 16 weeks to see if benefits last.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves physical exercise programs, potential side effects may include muscle soreness, fatigue, joint pain or discomfort during activities. Serious risks like injuries are minimized by excluding those at high risk.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ changes in walking speed scores from baseline (pre-intervention), after 16 weeks (post-intervention), and after 32 weeks (follow-up)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~changes in walking speed scores from baseline (pre-intervention), after 16 weeks (post-intervention), and after 32 weeks (follow-up)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and changes in walking speed scores from baseline (pre-intervention), after 16 weeks (post-intervention), and after 32 weeks (follow-up) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Cognitive Function

Functional Mobility

Lower-extremity Function

+3 more

Secondary study objectives

Exercise Behavior

Physical Activity Level

Vascular Function

Other study objectives

Anxiety

Depressive Symptoms

Fatigue Impact

+4 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program (GEMS program)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

This intervention condition will deliver the Guidelines for Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis (GEMS) program. Participants in this condition will receive a 16-week home-based, remotely supported aerobic and resistance exercise training intervention.

Group II: Flexibility and Stretching Program (FLEX-MS program)Active Control1 Intervention

Participants in this condition will receive a 16-week home-based, remotely supported stretching program emphasizing flexibility and range of motion as important components of fitness based on Stretching for People with MS: An Illustrated Manual from the National MS Society.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out