Effects of cycling and virtual reality on thinking speed in people with multiple sclerosis
Effects of a Single Bout of Moderate Intensity Aerobic Cycling Exercise Combined With Virtual Reality on Processing Speed in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis and Mobility Disability
This study is testing if different types of cycling, with or without virtual reality, can help people with multiple sclerosis think faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kessler Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (East Hanover, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06191380 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to investigate how different types of cycling exercise can enhance short-term processing speed in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants will engage in three different cycling conditions over the course of the study: cycling alone and cycling combined with two types of virtual reality experiences. The study seeks to determine if the integration of virtual reality with exercise can provide a novel approach to improving cognitive function in MS patients, where current treatment options are limited. Each participant will complete one cycling condition per week, allowing for a direct comparison of the effects on thinking speed.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who experience mild-to-moderate mobility disability and are relapse and steroid-free for at least 30 days.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, other neurological disorders, or those who regularly cycle may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of exercise and virtual reality is a promising technique, this specific approach has not been widely tested in the context of improving cognitive function in MS patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Speak English as their primary language * Confirmed MS diagnosis by a neurologist * Be relapse and steroid-free for at least 30 days * Mild-to-moderate self-report mobility disability Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological disorders besides MS or history of uncontrolled psychiatric disorders (ex: major depression) * Have contraindications to exercise, based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * Currently use medications that may impact cognition (ex: steroids, benzodiazepines) * Currently pregnant * Severe cognitive impairment as measured by the Modified Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS-M) * No indication of age-related mild cognitive impairment or dementia, based on the MOCA-Blind (i.e., MOCA-Blind ≥19). * High likelihood of motion sickness * Regular cyclist, defined as cycling for at least 150 minutes/week
Where this trial is running
East Hanover, New Jersey
- Kessler Foundation — East Hanover, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carly Wender, PhD — Kessler Foundation
- Study coordinator: Carly Wender, PhD
- Email: cwender@kesslerfoundation.org
- Phone: 9733248388
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.