Exercise and sleep to improve hand motor learning in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Daytime Sleep on Neurorehabilitation and Functional Abilities in Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence of Training the Brain in Neurorehabilitation
Run by Zealand University Hospital · NCT07304375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a short session of aerobic cycling or a 30-minute nap helps adults with relapsing-remitting MS (ages 18–70) learn and retain a complex hand movement and change brain–muscle activity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zealand University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07304375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are competent adults aged 18–70 with early relapsing-remitting MS, EDSS between 1 and 4.5, and at least MRC 4+ strength in the dominant hand, without implanted stimulators or epilepsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with progressive MS, higher disability (EDSS ≥4.5), marked dominant-hand weakness, implanted electronic devices, epilepsy, or those unable to attend repeated in-person visits may be unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled crossover project enrolls 20 adults with relapsing-remitting MS who perform a visuomotor accuracy tracking task while wearing EEG and EMG electrodes to record cortical and muscle activity. After initial practice, participants are randomized on each experimental day to 20 minutes of aerobic cycling, a 30-minute nap, or quiet rest, with longer interventions in the longitudinal arm. Retention of the motor skill is tested 24 hours later and experiment days are grouped into two blocks separated by two weeks to three months. The protocol also includes polysomnography, actigraphy, graded exercise testing, and interval training to link sleep and cardiovascular load with corticomuscular coherence and learning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to simple exercise and sleep scheduling strategies that improve motor rehabilitation and daily function for people with MS.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in healthy adults and some neurological populations shows aerobic exercise and sleep can boost motor memory, but combining these interventions and measuring corticomuscular coherence specifically in MS is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Competent individuals (aged 18-70) diagnosed with early relapsing-remitting MS * Expanded Disability Status Score, 1 \< EDSS \< 4.5 * MRC muscle strength ≥ 4+ in the dominant hand Exclusion Criteria: * Implanted devices, such as pacemakers or stimulators * Epilepsy or neuromuscular diseases
Where it's running
-
Zealand University Hospital Roskilde
Roskilde, Denmark Recruiting -
Section of Movement and Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin Ballegaard — Zealand University Hospital - Roskilde
- Study coordinator: Caroline Sadolin Muushardt, MSc
- Email: cmuu@regionsjaelland.dk
- Phone: +45 46323200
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.