Exploring complementary and alternative care for multiple sclerosis
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Multiple Sclerosis. A Prospective Observational Study of a CAM-using Cohort
Bastyr University · NCT01703429
This study looks at how complementary and alternative medicine affects symptoms and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis, while also tracking those who are doing particularly well to see what they might be doing differently.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bastyr University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Kenmore, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT01703429 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to describe the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the impact of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on patients' symptoms, quality of life, and lifestyle habits. It will track disease progression and adverse events while identifying individuals with the highest quality of life and least disease activity, referred to as positive deviants. These positive deviants will be compared to controls to uncover patterns in medication, diet, and lifestyle that may contribute to better outcomes in MS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-100 diagnosed with various forms of multiple sclerosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to read or write in English or unwilling to complete surveys may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective complementary and alternative therapies that improve the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing interest in complementary and alternative therapies for MS, this study's specific approach to identifying positive deviants is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (including relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, primary progressive MS, clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), radiologically-isolated syndromes (RIS), possible MS, or probable MS. * Age 18-100 Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to read/write in English * Inability or unwillingness to complete surveys every six (6) months. (\~ 90 min)
Where this trial is running
Kenmore, Washington
- Bastyr University Clinical Research Center — Kenmore, Washington, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laurie K Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH — Bastyr University
- Study coordinator: Research Assistant
- Email: neuroresearch@bastyr.edu
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.
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Complementary and Alternative, CAM