Exercise and sleep to improve hand motor learning in multiple sclerosis
Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Daytime Sleep on Neurorehabilitation and Functional Abilities in Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence of Training the Brain in Neurorehabilitation
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zealand University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07304375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Copenhagen and 1 other locations
- Section of Movement and Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen — Copenhagen, Denmark (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Zealand University Hospital Roskilde — Roskilde, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin Ballegaard — Zealand University Hospital - Roskilde
- Study coordinator: Caroline Sadolin Muushardt, MSc
- Email: cmuu@regionsjaelland.dk
- Phone: +45 46323200
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.