Task-Specific Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Disqualifiers: Recent MS exacerbation, Orthopedic, Cardiopulmonary, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines two different home exercise programs for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to determine which one better aids mobility. The Task Specific Home Exercise Program focuses on specific tasks, while the other emphasizes general fitness. The goal is to discover if task-specific exercises improve mobility more effectively and remain easy to follow. Participants must have MS, be able to walk for at least 30 seconds unaided, and not currently receive outpatient physical therapy. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance mobility strategies for MS patients.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these exercise programs are safe for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis?

Research has shown that a specific exercise program for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is safe and manageable. In a previous study, participants engaged in a high-intensity exercise routine focused on specific tasks, both in a group setting and at home. This method proved not only feasible but also safe for people with MS. No major negative effects were reported in these studies, suggesting that this type of exercise can be safely incorporated into daily life for those with MS. Overall, these findings provide strong evidence that a home exercise program focused on specific tasks can safely help improve mobility in people with MS. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Task-Specific Home Exercise Program for multiple sclerosis because it tailors physical therapy exercises to each individual's specific needs, unlike standard physical therapy, which often follows a one-size-fits-all approach. This personalized method aims to directly target the unique challenges faced by each patient, potentially leading to more effective results. By focusing on task-specific exercises, the program hopes to improve patients' functional abilities more efficiently than generic fitness routines.

What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise programs could be effective for improving mobility in Multiple Sclerosis?

Research shows that a Task Specific Home Exercise Program can help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In this trial, participants will join either an Individualized Task Specific Physical Therapy Home Exercise Program or a Generic physical therapy home exercise program. Studies have found that combining home exercises with those supervised by a professional greatly improves walking endurance and balance. Specifically, participants in these programs experienced better walking patterns and less fatigue. The exercises target tasks that people with MS often find challenging. This method is both practical and safe for individuals with MS. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis who are looking to improve their mobility. Participants should be able to perform exercises at home and commit to the program's duration. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided, so interested individuals should contact the study organizers for more information.

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk for at least 30 seconds by myself, with or without help from a device.

I have been officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Ability to read, comprehend and sign an informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

I don't have any health issues that stop me from joining a physical therapy program.

I am currently undergoing physical therapy as an outpatient.

I have had a recent flare-up of my MS.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in either a Task Specific Home Exercise Program or a Standard of Care Home Exercise Program

8 weeks

Home-based exercise with periodic assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Task Specific Home Exercise Program

Trial Overview

The study compares two home exercise programs: a Standard of Care (SOC) program focusing on aerobic conditioning and calisthenics, versus a Task Specific Program (TSP) designed for improving specific mobility tasks in people with MS.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Individualized Task Specific Physical Therapy Home Exercise Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Physical Therapy Home Exercise program based on specific outcome measure findings.

Group II: Generic physical therapy home exercise program Active Control 1 Intervention

Generalized fitness-based exercise program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

21

Recruited

3,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A two-week intensive task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) program significantly improved knee joint dynamics in MS patients with mild to moderate disability, particularly in those with pyramidal impairments.

The study involved 19 MS patients and showed that while overall gait dynamics improved, the benefits were more pronounced in patients with pyramidal impairments compared to those with cerebellar impairments, suggesting targeted rehabilitation strategies may be necessary.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An intensive task-oriented circuit training positively impacts gait biomechanics in MS patients. Tramonti, C., Di Martino, S., Chisari, C.[2020]

Task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) significantly improved balance and walking performance in 20 patients with Multiple Sclerosis over six weeks, while the control group showed no changes.

Cognitive performance and manual dexterity did not show significant improvements with TOCT, indicating that while physical aspects of performance benefit, cognitive effects require further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of task-oriented circuit training on motor and cognitive performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Ozkul, C., Guclu-Gunduz, A., Eldemir, K., et al.[2020]

A high-intensity task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) program was found to be safe and feasible for 24 individuals with multiple sclerosis, leading to significant improvements in walking ability and health-related quality of life after just two weeks of training.

Participants maintained a 58.33% adherence to a home exercise program for three months, indicating that the initial training had a lasting positive impact, while the control group showed no significant changes in their mobility or quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A task-oriented circuit training in multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study. Straudi, S., Martinuzzi, C., Pavarelli, C., et al.[2021]

A 34-year-old man with moderate primary progressive multiple sclerosis underwent 12 weeks of task-related circuit training, which significantly improved his walking ability, muscle strength, and endurance.

The training also led to a reduction in fatigue, demonstrating that task-related circuit training can be an effective intervention for enhancing physical fitness in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of task related circuit training on walking ability in a Multiple Sclerosis subject. A single case study. Sethy, D., Bajpai, P., Kujur, ES.[2012]

A combination of 2 weeks of supervised task-oriented circuit training followed by 12 weeks of a home-based program significantly improved walking endurance and ability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis, as evidenced by better scores on the Six Minute Walk Test and other mobility assessments.

The intervention also led to improvements in fatigue and resting muscle oxygen consumption, suggesting it not only enhances physical capabilities but may also help reduce physical deconditioning in patients with unassisted walking.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combining a supervised and home-based task-oriented circuit training improves walking endurance in patients with multiple sclerosis. The MS_TOCT randomized-controlled trial. Straudi, S., De Marco, G., Martinuzzi, C., et al.[2022]

A study involving 20 people with Multiple Sclerosis showed that task-oriented upper limb training at individualized intensities led to significant improvements in upper limb function, particularly at the highest intensity (100% of individual max repetitions).

Participants experienced no adverse effects from the training, indicating that task-oriented training is safe and effective for enhancing functional recovery in MS patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intensity-dependent clinical effects of an individualized technology-supported task-oriented upper limb training program in Multiple Sclerosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Lamers, I., Raats, J., Spaas, J., et al.[2020]

Home-based exercise training (HBET) is beneficial, feasible, and safe for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as shown in a systematic review of 24 studies.

The review highlighted that while HBET can improve physical fitness and quality of life, challenges such as adherence to exercise programs and the need to assess disability-related outcomes remain important areas for future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Exercise Training in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review with Implications for Future Research. Ghahfarrokhi, MM., Banitalebi, E., Negaresh, R., et al.[2021]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4059088/

A task-oriented circuit training in multiple sclerosis

This two weeks high-intensity task-oriented circuit class training followed by a three months home-based exercise program seems feasible and safe in MS people

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withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-multiple-sclerosis-5-2024-af441

Task-Specific Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis

A combination of 2 weeks of supervised task-oriented circuit training followed by 12 weeks of a home-based program significantly improved walking endurance and ...

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221103482200236X

Combining a supervised and home-based task-oriented ...

Combining a supervised and home-based task-oriented circuit training improves walking endurance in patients with multiple sclerosis. The MS_TOCT randomized- ...

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clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01464749

Task-oriented Circuit Class Training in Multiple Sclerosis ...

Treatment efficacy outcome measures will be clinical test for gait speed (10m walking test), walking endurance (six minute walking test), balance (Dynamic Gait ...

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031940624004139

Exploring the effectiveness of circuit training rehabilitation ...

Circuit training rehabilitation seems to be an effective option for the treatment of balance, gait, and fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis. -. Circuit ...

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pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24906545/

A task-oriented circuit training in multiple sclerosis

This two weeks high-intensity task-oriented circuit class training followed by a three months home-based exercise program seems feasible and safe in MS people.