Investigating brain activity during rehabilitation exercises for multiple sclerosis

Investigate Neuro-rehabilitation Active Ingredients of Specific Task-oriented Training In People With Multiple Sclerosis With Different Challenging Conditions and Extrinsic Feedbacks

Observational Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus · NCT06826638

This study is testing how brain activity changes during rehabilitation exercises in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy volunteers to see if it can help improve their mobility and brain function.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Genova and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06826638 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to explore cortical activity during task-oriented exercises in individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy volunteers using advanced imaging techniques. By observing brain activity in real-time during rehabilitation sessions, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the neural mechanisms that contribute to functional improvements. It will involve 40 healthy subjects and 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis, focusing on how rehabilitation impacts mobility and brain plasticity. The findings could provide insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for better patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 60 with a stable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and healthy right-handed volunteers.

Not a fit: Patients with severe joint disorders, major depression, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance recovery and functional abilities in patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding brain activity related to rehabilitation, but this approach of real-time observation during exercises is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* subjects between 18 and 60 years of age,
* diagnosis of MS (McDonald criteria, Thompson et al, 2018), stable disease course without worsening more than 1 EDSS point over the last 3 months, EDSS between 3 and 4.5 points,
* healthy right-handed volunteers,
* able to release a written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to comprehend the aims of the study and to follow test instructions;
* Diagnosis of major depression (DSM-5);
* Severe joint and/or bone disorders interfering with balance and gait (based upon clinical judgment);
* Cardiovascular diseases;
* Severe visual impairments interfering with the execution of the protocol;
* epilepsy;
* intake of neuroleptic and antiepileptic drugs.

Where this trial is running

Genova and 2 other locations

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisHealthy Volunteerrehabilitationmultiple sclerosismotor controlcortical plasticity
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.