CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of In-phase Bilateral Exercise in People with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Cyprus20 participantsStarted 2023-10-02

Plain-language summary

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS, typical presents with progression of clinical symptoms which mainly include motor and cognitive impairment, as well as reduction of patients' quality of life. Exercise is an effective approach in the management of the symptoms in people with progressive MS. Previous studies in healthy and in people with MS, reported a close relationship between cognitive functions and upper limb performance. Since patients with progressive MS facing difficulties with performing complex exercises due to cognitive dysfunctions and given the close relationship between cognitive functions and manual dexterity, a reasonable question arises whether a type of upper limbs exercises with less cognitive demands will improve the information processing speed in people with progressive MS. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of in-phase bilateral upper limbs exercises on the information processing speed, in patients with progressive MS, given that in-phase bilateral movements needs less attentional load than the other types of bilateral coordination. The intervention protocol lasted for 12 consecutive weeks (30-60 minutes /session x 3 sessions/week) and included in-phase bilateral exercises of the upper limbs, adapted to different sports activities and to functional training. Results from the statistical analysis indicated improvement of the experimental group compared to the control group, on the information processing speed alongside with improvement of motor skills.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) (primary or/and secondary progressive MS) * Expanded Disability Status Scale score between three and six * no relapse within 30 days * aged between 30 and 70 years * Mini Mental State of Examination score between 20 and 30 (mild to no cognitive impairment) Exclusion Criteria: * history of any disease affecting the central nervous system other than MS (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy) * history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., known aneurism, myocardial infarction, hyper/hypotension, heart failure) * severe orthopaedic disorders (e.g., knee or hip replacement, spondylosurgery, disk herniation, recent bone fracture) * mental disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar syndrome) * pregnancy during the implementation of the study timeline * hearing impairments (i.e., deafness) * visual deficit (e.g., optic neuritis, blindness, diplopia, glaucoma, blurred vision) * history of epileptic seizures * spasticity level on upper or lower limbs more than 1+ (slight increase in muscle tone) according to Modified Ashworth Scale

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Symbol Digit Modalities Test

Timeframe: Baseline (3 weeks) until the end of the Intervention (12 weeks)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06436131

SponsorCyprus University of Technology

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-22

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive trials