Home cycling to lower blood pressure and improve thinking and walking in people with MS and high blood pressure

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.