Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Anodal tDCS plus virtual-reality exergaming for thinking problems in people with multiple sclerosis.

Official title: Impact of Anodal tDCS and Virtual Reality on Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: a Protocol of a Double Blind, Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study.

Run by Ospedale Policlinico San Martino · NCT07114809 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study will test whether adding mild brain stimulation (anodal tDCS) to virtual-reality exergaming can improve cognitive problems in adults with multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorOspedale Policlinico San Martino
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Genova, Italy and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 2, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 2026
Study endsJanuary 2026
Registry record updatedAugust 11, 2025
Trial IDNCT07114809 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18–60 with a confirmed MS diagnosis, cognitive impairment, and EDSS ≤ 7.5 who have no major psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, recent steroid-treated relapse, prior brain surgery, or severe bilateral visual loss are the intended participants.

Probably not a fit

People older than 60, with EDSS > 7.5, active epilepsy, recent MS relapse, major psychiatric disease, prior brain surgery, or poor bilateral vision are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a double-blind, randomized, controlled study enrolling 80 people with multiple sclerosis and cognitive impairment, split into an experimental group and a sham-control group. All participants complete ten one-hour exergaming (non-immersive VR) sessions over two weeks, while the experimental group receives simultaneous anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the control group receives sham stimulation. The anodal electrode is placed over the left DLPFC and the reference electrode over the right shoulder using a portable constant-current stimulator. Outcomes focus on changes in cognitive performance and related symptoms such as fatigue and quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined tDCS and VR approach could improve thinking skills and reduce fatigue, offering a noninvasive add-on to existing rehabilitation for people with MS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies of tDCS and of VR/exergaming in neurological conditions, including MS, have shown modest cognitive or functional benefits, but the simultaneous combination of anodal tDCS and VR is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. MS diagnosis according to McDonald's criteria (McDonald 2017);
2. age between 18 and 60 (to avoid participants with possible CI due to aging); 3) disability score ≤7.5 at the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS, Kurtzke 1983).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. subjects affected by major psychiatric disorders
2. epilepsy
3. previous brain surgery
4. MS relapse requiring steroid therapy in the previous two months
5. bilateral visual acuity \< 6/10

Where it's running

  • Azienda Sanitaria Genovese
    Genova, Italy, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS
    Genova, Italy, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Italian multiple sclerosis foundation
    Genova, Italy, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.