66 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Exercise Training for Multiple Sclerosis

(VAMOS-MS Trial)

NB
SL
Overseen ByStephanie L Silveira, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests how exercise can improve walking ability and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. Participants will either join an exercise program or be placed on a waitlist to assess exercise's impact on their walking over 16 weeks. Those diagnosed with MS, who haven't had a relapse in the last 30 days, and identify as Hispanic or Latino might be a good fit. The trial seeks individuals with walking difficulties who are willing to complete surveys and be randomly assigned to a group. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise can benefit those with MS.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this exercise training is safe for individuals with multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that exercise is generally safe for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have found that those who exercise have about a 27% lower chance of experiencing a relapse, meaning their symptoms worsen less often compared to those who don't exercise.

Exercise can also improve balance, walking, and overall quality of life for people with MS. While there might be a slight increase in minor side effects, serious negative effects are rare.

Overall, people with MS tolerate exercise well, and it can be a helpful part of managing the condition.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about exercise training for multiple sclerosis (MS) because it's a natural and non-invasive approach that could complement or even enhance existing treatments like disease-modifying therapies and symptom management drugs. Unlike medications that primarily target the immune system to slow disease progression, exercise training aims to improve physical function, boost mood, and increase overall quality of life without the side effects often associated with drugs. Additionally, exercise training empowers patients to take an active role in managing their condition, offering a sense of control and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans.

What evidence suggests that exercise training might be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that exercise helps people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve balance, walking, and stamina. Studies have found that exercise leads to a better quality of life and reduced tiredness for those with MS. In one study, participants improved their fitness by 10% after completing an exercise program. Exercise is safe and generally well-tolerated, with fewer relapses compared to those who do not exercise. This trial will compare participants undergoing an exercise training program with those in a waitlist control group. Overall, exercise enhances life for people with MS by improving both physical abilities and mental well-being.46789

Who Is on the Research Team?

SL

Stephanie L Silveira, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Hispanic adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are able to participate in an exercise program. People with medical issues that prevent safe exercise or other reasons making participation unsafe will not be included.

Inclusion Criteria

My MSWS-12 score shows I have some walking difficulties.
I have not had a cancer relapse in the past 30 days.
Self-identify as Hispanic/Latino
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Significant exercise-related risk factors or contraindications assessed individually using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) requiring clearance from physician

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a culturally tailored exercise training intervention for 16 weeks

16 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in walking ability and HRQoL after the intervention

16 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Exercise Training

Trial Overview

The study tests a culturally tailored, supervised exercise training program designed for Hispanics with MS over 16 weeks, comparing it to a waitlist control group. The main focus is on improving walking ability and quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Exercise TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Waitlist ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials
974
Recruited
361,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials
2,896
Recruited
8,053,000+

Citations

Effects of exercise in people with multiple sclerosis - PMC - NIH

Exercise had beneficial effects in improving balance, walking ability, walking endurance, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS.

High intensity exercise training on functional outcomes in ...

Adults with MS may achieve walking improvements through high-intensity training. •. Evidence of high-intensity training on balance outcomes remains inconclusive ...

Exercise Training for Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative ...

The study was successful, and differences between pre- and post-intervention established a 10% increase in aerobic fitness for those in the exercise group.

Advancements and Challenges in Exercise Training for ...

Randomized controlled trials indicate that exercise training is safe and yields substantial benefits from improvements in fitness through ...

A Systematic Review with Implications for Future Research

Conclusions. Home-based ET, 2-7 times per week, is beneficial, feasible, and safe in people with MS. Nevertheless, there were ...

Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis - PMC - NIH

That review reported that persons with MS who received exercise training conditions had lower rates of relapse than control conditions (27% lower relapse rate).

Effects of exercise in people with multiple sclerosis

Exercise had beneficial effects in improving balance, walking ability, walking endurance, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS.

Exercise Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Preparing for ...

Exercise training is safe (Learmonth et al., 2023) and beneficial (Motl, Sandroff, et al., 2017) in MS. Benefits include improving balance, physical and ...

Exercise Training and Multiple Sclerosis

The evidence indicated that exercise was associated with reduced relapse rate, neurological disability and progression, and lesion volume, and ...