Blood Flow Restriction Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis
This study is evaluating whether a new type of physical therapy may help improve walking ability for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
See full descriptionAbout the trial for Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment Groups
This trial involves 2 different treatments. Blood Flow Restriction Exercise is the primary treatment being studied. Participants will all receive the same treatment. There is no placebo group. The treatments being tested are not being studied for commercial purposes.
Eligibility
This trial is for patients born any sex aged 18 and older. There are 6 eligibility criteria to participate in this trial as listed below.
Approximate Timelines
Measurement Requirements
This trial is evaluating whether Blood Flow Restriction Exercise will improve 3 primary outcomes and 8 secondary outcomes in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Measurement will happen over the course of Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9).
Patient Q & A Section
What causes multiple sclerosis?
Although the cause of MS remains unknown, some studies suggest viral or environmental exposures. The genetic component of MS appears to be important, and risk factors associated with maternal age in the past are linked to risk of MS in children. The lack of agreement among researchers on the risk and pathogenesis of MS, the differences in their methodology, and the scarcity of evidence to support any of the various hypotheses (e.g. environmental or viral aetiology of MS) make it difficult to pinpoint the exact pathogenesis of MS.
What are the signs of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include decreased or absent sensation from the feet and hands, weakness, fatigue and mental status changes. There is also a high rate of cognitive impairment with multiple sclerosis.
How many people get multiple sclerosis a year in the United States?
There is no clear reason why there is not a year in the year with an average of 1000 people getting MS in the US. The reason why there is so much variation and the number so low might be because of the varying levels of genetic susceptibility to MS and perhaps the different lifestyles of people living in different areas of the United States. The number of people getting MS is expected to have a much larger year in the year 2100 than today.
What is multiple sclerosis?
A person can develop multiple sclerosis at any age and any time. Its signs and symptoms can vary, but all people affected have some form of brain damage. If someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in early adulthood, they are at a higher risk of developing the disease in later life. There are at least two races that appear to be more likely to deal with symptoms. People with darker skin who are of European origin are at a higher risk for developing the disease as they are more prone to sunlight exposure.
What are common treatments for multiple sclerosis?
Various drug-based treatments and procedures are used by clinicians in the management of MS patients. Most current therapies are aimed at improving the symptoms of the disease. Nevertheless, recent developments in drug research are aimed at minimizing the side effects of some previously used treatments.
Can multiple sclerosis be cured?
There are many ways to view the disease-modifying effect, which has been called 'no evidence of natural cure'. Further research is required before any definite conclusions can be reached.
How serious can multiple sclerosis be?
Very serious indeed. MS can be life threatening in 20-40% cases. Very little about the course of MS is understood and how it affects the patient is not yet known. There is a lot of fear expressed toward those with MS and how serious their disease is, even though they probably will have good health care. Most hope MS will not be the reason for a terminal illness.
Have there been other clinical trials involving blood flow restriction exercise?
There are currently only one other trials with similar design and results, as well as two similar trials with only a small sample size. Both indicated an improvement which was not seen in this study. Results from a recent clinical trial make us believe more studies with larger sample are needed at this time.
Does multiple sclerosis run in families?
Multiple sclerosis was most prevalent among siblings, but the prevalence did not change with increasing family degree, contrary to what one might expect if genetic factors made MS a familial disease.
Who should consider clinical trials for multiple sclerosis?
A multidisciplinary, multidisciplinary treatment approach, including rheumatology, physiatry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation, and that includes MS rehabilitation, should be considered when the patient has disabling symptoms and/or is an absolute or relative MS-risk candidate for participation in an MS clinical trial. To increase the likelihood that a patient is an absolute/relative risk for MS, patients with certain characteristics and genotypes must have a positive clinical trial response to a placebo or MS drugs.
Does blood flow restriction exercise improve quality of life for those with multiple sclerosis?
Exercise with BFR has the potential to deliver measurable improvements to quality of life for those with MS and provide an additional mode of exercise practice for individuals with MS in the clinic.
How does blood flow restriction exercise work?
The protocol that was developed for this study was well received from participants and can be recommended to those with MS as a safe form of exercise to increase strength. Recent findings are promising and need to be substantiated further before larger studies can be recommended.