Wheelchair Exercise Training for Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Stephanie L Silveira, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Disqualifiers: Exercise contradictions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 16 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new exercise program specifically designed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use wheelchairs. The program, called the Seated Physical activity INtervention for persons with MS (SPIN program), aims to improve health outcomes, reduce MS symptoms, and encourage better exercise habits over 16 weeks. Participants will either join the exercise program or a wellness group to compare results. Ideal candidates have MS, use a wheelchair more than half the time, and haven't been active regularly. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for those 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. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this exercise training program is safe for wheelchair users with multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that exercise is safe and beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have found that various exercise programs can reduce MS symptoms and enhance physical abilities. Exercise significantly aids both physical and mental well-being for those with MS.

Although specific data on the 'SPIN' program is not yet available, the concept of seated exercise for MS patients is generally well-received. Such programs are known to be safe and aim to reduce sitting time, which can improve overall health.

Even without data on this specific program, exercise for MS is considered safe and has been shown to alleviate symptoms. Participants in similar programs report few negative effects, making it a promising option for those seeking new approaches. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "SPIN" program because it offers a new approach for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who use wheelchairs. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily focus on medication or physical therapy requiring significant mobility, this seated exercise intervention is tailored specifically for those with limited movement. By providing a structured way to engage in physical activity while seated, it aims to improve overall health and well-being without the need for standing or walking exercises. This innovative approach could make exercise more accessible and beneficial for a wider range of people with MS.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for multiple sclerosis?

Studies have shown that exercise can help reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It can enhance physical abilities and lessen fatigue and depression in people with MS. Research also suggests that exercise can improve balance and overall quality of life. In this trial, participants may join the SPIN program, designed for people who use wheelchairs, to help them stay active while seated. Previous studies on similar programs suggest they can effectively reduce sitting time and improve health. These findings offer hope that the SPIN program might provide similar benefits for people with MS. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stephanie L Silveira, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with Multiple Sclerosis who are mostly wheelchair users and not currently active, meaning they don't do regular physical activity more than twice a week. They must have been relapse-free for the last month and will need a doctor's okay if there are health concerns that usually suggest exercise isn't safe.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

I use a wheelchair more than half of the time.

Being non-active defined as not engaging in regular physical activity (30 minutes accumulated per day) on more than 2 days of the week during the previous 6 months (i.e., not meeting current physical activity guidelines for MS)

Exclusion Criteria

I passed a health screen for exercise or have doctor's clearance.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants undergo a 16-week exercise training intervention or wellness control program

16 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Seated Physical activity INtervention for persons with MS, 'SPIN' program
• Wellness for MS (WellMS)- Control Condition

Trial Overview

The study tests a new exercise program called SPIN against a wellness program named WellMS in people with MS using wheelchairs. It looks at how well these programs work by checking participant numbers, satisfaction, safety, changes in metabolic health, MS symptoms, and whether participants stick to exercising after the 16-week course.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise Training Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Wellness Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Lead Sponsor

Trials

13

Recruited

7,100+

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

974

Recruited

361,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Craig Hospital

Collaborator

Trials

45

Recruited

8,400+

University of Illinois at Chicago

Collaborator

Trials

653

Recruited

1,574,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 19 studies found that exercise training, particularly adapted modalities like body-weight support treadmill training and electrical stimulation cycling, can lead to significant improvements in mobility, physical fitness, and quality of life for individuals with severe mobility impairment due to multiple sclerosis (MS).

While conventional exercise training showed some benefits, the majority of positive outcomes were associated with adapted exercise approaches, highlighting the need for accessible exercise interventions for people with MS who have high levels of disability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of exercise training in adults with multiple sclerosis with severe mobility disability: A systematic review and future research directions. Edwards, T., Pilutti, LA.[2022]

Exercise training is now widely recommended for managing multiple sclerosis (MS), reflecting over 25 years of research supporting its benefits for individuals with the condition.

The paper highlights eight emerging research areas, such as behavior change interventions and telerehabilitation, that could enhance the effectiveness and implementation of exercise in clinical practice for MS patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current perspectives on exercise training in the management of multiple sclerosis. Motl, RW., Sandroff, BM.[2021]

A systematic review of 40 randomized controlled trials involving 1780 participants found that exercise training does not increase the risk of clinical relapse or adverse events in individuals with multiple sclerosis, suggesting it is a safe intervention.

The analysis showed no significant differences in the rates of relapse, adverse events, or serious adverse events between exercise training and non-exercise groups, supporting the promotion of exercise as a beneficial activity for people with MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Learmonth, YC., P Herring, M., Russell, DI., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 8 randomized clinical trials involving 919 individuals with multiple sclerosis found no significant differences in step count or moderate to vigorous physical activity levels between those who participated in physical activity interventions and those who did not.

Despite the interventions, the results indicated that physical activity did not lead to measurable improvements in physical activity intensity or step count, suggesting a need for more studies with objective measures to assess the effectiveness of exercise in individuals with MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of exercise and physical activity-interventions on step count and intensity level in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arntzen, EC., Bidhendi-Yarandi, R., Sivertsen, M., et al.[2023]

Over a 2.5-year study involving 269 participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, significant improvements were observed in both self-reported and objectively measured physical activity, along with self-efficacy and walking impairment.

Changes in physical activity were strongly associated with improvements in self-efficacy, suggesting that enhancing self-confidence may be key to promoting and maintaining physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Longitudinal change in physical activity and its correlates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Motl, RW., McAuley, E., Sandroff, BM.[2022]

Training for and participating in a unique expedition led to a significant reduction in motor fatigue among participants with multiple sclerosis, particularly those with mild disability, indicating potential benefits of physical activity in this population.

Despite some minor medical events reported, no major adverse events occurred, suggesting that the expedition was safe for participants with MS, especially those without cardiovascular risk factors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a 5-day expedition to machu picchu on persons with multiple sclerosis. D'hooghe, MB., Feys, P., Deltour, S., et al.[2021]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7853339/

Intervention Feasibility and Change in Sedentary Behavior

This study reports on the feasibility of the SitLess with MS trial, an intervention targeting sedentary behavior in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) ...

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clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05888727

Examining a Wheelchair Exercise-training Intervention for ...

Researchers will compare the SPIN and WellMS groups to determine if there is a significant difference in metabolic health outcomes, MS symptoms, and exercise ...

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12374876/

Functional exercise training in persons with multiple sclerosis

Various exercise modalities have been shown to effectively reduce numerous MS symptoms, improve physical function, and have beneficial effects ...

4.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825003657

Exercise Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Preparing for ...

Benefits include improving balance, physical and cognitive function, fatigue, depression, quality of life and other outcomes (Du et al., 2024; Li et al., 2023).

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bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com

bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-025-01146-x

Internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion for ...

We evaluated the effects of a 12-week internet-based exercise and physical activity promotion program for persons with multiple sclerosis.