Home cycling to lower blood pressure and improve thinking and walking in people with MS and high blood pressure
Targeting Vascular Mechanisms of Functional Outcomes Via Home-based Exercise Training Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Hypertension
This trial will test whether 12 weeks of home-based cycling can lower blood pressure and improve thinking and walking in people with multiple sclerosis who have high blood pressure compared with a home stretching program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Boston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06554340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants with multiple sclerosis and hypertension are randomized to 12 weeks of home-based cycling exercise training or a home-based stretching program, with approximately a 50-50 chance of assignment. The study measures changes in blood pressure and vascular dilation, cognitive function (processing speed and memory), walking mobility, and fitness before and after the intervention. Eligibility focuses on ambulatory adults with MS (EDSS 4–6.5), hypertension per 2017 AHA guidelines, physical inactivity, and BMI under 40, while excluding major additional cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes. The protocol includes baseline and follow-up clinic visits at UMass Boston, delivery/setup of a cycle ergometer at home, and about 13–14 weeks total participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ambulatory adults with confirmed MS who have hypertension, are physically inactive, have BMI under 40, and are stable on their medications are the ideal candidates for this protocol.
Not a fit: People with additional cardiovascular comorbidities, type 1 diabetes, those confined to a wheelchair, or those who cannot fit a cycle ergometer at home are unlikely to receive benefit or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, home-based cycling could provide a practical, non-drug way to lower blood pressure and improve thinking and walking in people with MS and hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Aerobic exercise has improved blood pressure, fitness, walking, and some cognitive measures in general populations and in people with MS, but applying home-based cycling specifically to people with both MS and hypertension is relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persons with confirmed multiple sclerosis diagnosis with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 4-6.5, characteristic of 2nd stage of multiple sclerosis; * Hypertension defined as elevated, or Stage 1 or 2, as per the 2017 American Heart Association guidelines (brachial systolic blood pressure \> 120 mmHg or brachial diastolic blood pressure \> 80 mmHg) * Persons who are physically inactive (less than 60 min/wk of physical activity); * Persons with body mass index \< 40 kg/m2; * Persons who are not confined to a wheel chair; * Multiple sclerosis relapse in the past 30 days; * People with stable pharmacotherapy. Exclusion Criteria: * People with additional cardiovascular comorbidities; * People with type 1 diabetes mellitus; * Physician disapproval to participating in the study; * Space constraints to fit a cycle ergometer at the home of prospective participants.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- UMass Boston — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bo Fernhall, PhD — University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Study coordinator: Tracy Baynard, PhD
- Email: tracy.baynard@umb.edu
- Phone: 2178404493
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.