Exercise Training for Multiple Sclerosis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Study Significance: This proposed investigation is designed to examine the feasibility of an exercise-based intervention to reduce frailty in people living with MS. The proposed research will be the first to establish the feasibility of targeting frailty in pwMS and will begin to examine the dynamic nature of frailty in MS. These advances will pave the way for planned prospective studies toward effective targets for diagnostics, and rehabilitation of frailty in MS.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 40-65 with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who are not currently having MS relapses, can function with some disability (EDSS score ≤ 6.0), speak English, and meet at least three out of five criteria indicating frailty such as weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slowness in walking, or low physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria

I haven't had an MS flare-up in the last month.

I can walk at least 100 meters without aid or rest.

Subjects must be fluent in spoken and written English

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe heart problems like dangerous irregular heartbeats or major blockages in heart arteries.

I am currently experiencing acute pain in my lower back or legs.

I have a significant neurological condition like Parkinson's or epilepsy.

+5 more

Participant Groups

The study is testing whether a multimodal exercise program can reduce signs of frailty in those living with MS compared to a waitlist group. Participants will be randomly assigned to either start the exercise program immediately or placed on a waitlist as part of the control group.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Multimodal Exercise GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will complete 15 minutes of virtual reality treadmill training (VRTT), followed by 30 minutes of progressive evidence-based resistance training (RT), followed by other 15 minutes of VRTT.

Group II: Control GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the control group will be put on a waitlist (passive control group) for 6 weeks. Upon completion of post-training assessment, participants in the control group will be able to receive the intervention, if they wish so.