Online cognitive training for improving mental abilities in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Strengthening Mental Abilities With Relational Training (SMART) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Feasibility Trial
This study is testing an online brain training program to see if it can help people with Multiple Sclerosis improve their thinking skills and daily life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lincoln Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT04975685 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility trial aims to evaluate the SMART (Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training) program, an online cognitive training intervention designed to enhance cognitive functioning in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study will assess participant acceptability of the intervention, the delivery format, and the overall study procedures. Additionally, it will explore the framework for a cost-effectiveness analysis to inform future definitive trials. The trial addresses a significant gap in treatment options for cognitive deficits associated with MS, which affect daily living and quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-89 diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis who experience cognitive difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving cognitive rehabilitation or those with vision or hearing problems that prevent participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel, accessible method for improving cognitive abilities in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the SMART program has not been tested specifically in MS, similar cognitive training approaches have shown promise in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of MS, received ≥3-months pre-enrolment (allowing for acute adjustment, as per other trials of cognitive rehabilitation) * Age 18-89 (to meet the standardisation criteria of psychometric assessments) * Cognitive difficulties as assessed by Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ) self-report (≥27) and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) testing (≤1 standard deviation below normative reference-value) * Able to read and speak English to standard necessary for completing assessment and intervention procedures * Able and willing to access a computer/tablet/smart-phone with internet connection throughout the study * Able and willing to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Currently receiving cognitive rehabilitation * Previously received SMART training * Vision or hearing problems precluding completion of procedures
Where this trial is running
Nottingham
- Nottingham Centre for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation — Nottingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nima Moghaddam, DClinPsy — University of Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Frost
- Email: alexandra.frost@nottshc.nhs.uk
- Phone: 07811474337
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.