Exercise Training for Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Peixuan Zheng, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago

Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Cardiovascular diseases, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

51 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The overall objective of the proposed randomized controlled (RCT) is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a 16-week theory-based, remotely-delivered, combined exercise (aerobic and resistance) training intervention for improving cognitive and physical function in older adults (50+ years) with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have mild-to-moderate cognitive and walking impairment. Participants (N=50) will be randomly assigned into exercise training (combined aerobic and resistance exercise) condition or active control (flexibility and stretching) condition. The 16-week intervention will be delivered and monitored remotely within a participant's home/community and supported by Zoom-based chats guided by social cognitive theory (SCT) via a behavioral coach. Participants will receive training materials (e.g., prescriptive manual and exercise equipment), one-on-one coaching, action-planning via calendars, self-monitoring via logs, and SCT-based newsletters. It is hypothesized that the home-based exercise intervention will yield beneficial effects on cognition, mobility, physical activity, and vascular function compared with an active control condition (flexibility and stretching intervention), and these improvements will be sustained during a 16-week follow-up period.

Research Team

Peixuan Zheng, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Illinois at Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

I can travel to the lab for tests.

Mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (TICS-M; MSNQ)

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals not meeting above inclusion criteria

I have been diagnosed with a neurological or cardiovascular condition.

Individuals with moderate to high risk for contraindications of possible injury or death when undertaking strenuous or maximal exercise (PARQ)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program (GEMS program)
• Flexibility and Stretching Program (FLEX-MS program)

Trial Overview 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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program (GEMS program) Experimental Treatment 1 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 Control 1 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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

653

Recruited

1,574,000+