High-intensity walking exercise for fatigue and walking issues in multiple sclerosis
Effects of High-intensity Gait Training on Fatigue, Gait, and Neuroplasticity in People With Multiple Sclerosis
This study is testing if high-intensity walking exercises on a treadmill can help people with multiple sclerosis feel less tired and walk better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06264336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high-intensity gait training on individuals with multiple sclerosis, focusing on improving fatigue and walking difficulties. Participants will engage in treadmill training designed to provide a greater stimulus than traditional moderate-intensity exercise. The study aims to determine whether this approach can enhance neuroplasticity and overall quality of life for those affected by MS. By comparing outcomes related to fatigue and gait, the research seeks to address significant gaps in current treatment options for these common symptoms of MS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who experience walking dysfunction and symptomatic fatigue.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to consent, have other neurological disorders, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve fatigue and walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While high-intensity exercise has shown promise in other conditions like stroke, its application in multiple sclerosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥21 years * Multiple sclerosis diagnosis * Stable disease-modifying therapy (DMT) over the past 6 months * Walking dysfunction (i.e., abnormal gait pattern, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 4-6.5, and/or Patient-determined disease steps (PDDS) score of 3-6) * Able to walk for 6 minutes at self-paced speed. Handheld assistive device is acceptable. * Symptomatic fatigue (Fatigue Severity Score ≥ 4) Exclusion Criteria: * Adults unable to consent * Pregnant women * Prisoners * Multiple sclerosis relapse within the last 30 days * Other neurological disorders besides multiple sclerosis * Cardiorespiratory or metabolic diseases (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, chronic emphysema) * Significant cognitive or communication impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)\<21), which could impede the understanding of the purpose of procedures of the study or prevent the patient from performing the ankle-tracking task. * Severe osteoporosis * Failure to pass the graded exercise stress test * Implanted cardiac pacemaker * Metal implants in the head or face * Unexplained, recurring headaches * History of seizures or epilepsy * Currently under medication that could increase motor excitability and lower seizure threshold * Skull abnormalities or fractures * Concussion within the last 6 months
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Illinois Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brice T Cleland, PhD
- Email: bcleland@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-996-9056
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.