Effects of Individualized Training to Reduce Fatigue in Patients With Newly and Advanced Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis
This study explores how specially designed exercise programs, used at home and guided by a mobile app, can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) feel less tired. MS often causes severe tiredness (fatigue), which current medications don't always tackle. While exercise is known to help, many people with MS don't do enough. This research aims to see if making exercise more personal, easier to do at home, and starting it earlier can make a bigger difference. It will involve people who have been recently diagnosed with MS or those who have had it for longer, focusing on improving their energy levels and overall wellbeing.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a better way to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who experience a lot of tiredness, also known as fatigue. Many people with MS find fatigue to be one of the toughest symptoms to live with, and current treatments don't always offer much relief for it. We know that being physically active can help reduce tiredness and improve overall fitness, but it can be hard for people with MS to stay active.
The researchers think that exercise could be more effective if it's tailored just for you, can be done at home, and starts soon after an MS diagnosis. This study wants to find out if this approach, using a mobile app to guide your exercises, can significantly reduce fatigue for people with MS, whether they've been recently diagnosed or have had MS for a while.
The goal is to see if this kind of individualised home exercise program can make a real difference in how tired people with MS feel, helping them to have more energy and improve their daily lives. By understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to help manage one of the most common and challenging symptoms of MS.
Key takeaways
- Targets fatigue in MS using personalised exercise.
- Exercises are done at home, guided by a mobile app.
- Looks at both newly diagnosed and longer-term MS patients.
- Aims to improve energy levels and physical function.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you usually need to be aged between 18 and 60. You must have a type of MS called Relapsing-Remitting MS and have been diagnosed within the last two years, or had your first MS symptoms less than five years ago. People who've had MS for longer can also be included if their first symptoms were still less than five years ago.
You should feel quite tired most of the time, have a good level of movement, and be able to walk for at least 10 minutes without stopping. You’ll also need a smartphone with internet access and be part of a social security scheme, like the NHS in the UK. Importantly, you must be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part freely.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include if you have severe stiffness or balance problems in your legs, difficulties with foot or ankle movement, or a leg injury that stops you from exercising. You also can't join if you've had an MS attack in the last 3 months, recently changed medicines that affect fatigue, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are already in another medical study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Do you have Relapsing-Remitting MS and feel very tired most of the time?
- Can you walk for at least 10 minutes without stopping?
- Do you own a smartphone with internet access?
- Have you had an MS attack in the last 3 months?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be given a personalised exercise program, which you'll do at home. This program will be guided by a special mobile app on your smartphone. We don't have details on exactly how many visits you'll need, but there will be initial assessments and likely follow-up checks. You won't be given any new medications as part of this study, as it focuses on exercise. The total duration of the study isn't specified, but it will involve a period where you regularly do the exercises and report back on how you're feeling.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Chu de Saint-EtienneVerified postcodeSaint-Etienne, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
The exercise program will be personalised for you, based on what suits your abilities, and will be guided by a mobile app on your smartphone.
Do I need to go to a gym for this study?
No, this study focuses on home-based exercise, so you'll be able to do your exercises in your own home.
Will I have to stop my current MS medication?
The study does not involve changing or stopping your current MS medication, but recent changes to fatigue-related medicines might affect if you can join.
What happens if I feel too tired to exercise some days?
The study will likely have ways to adjust for days when you feel more tired, as it focuses on personalised exercise. This is something to discuss with the study team.
How long will I need to be in the study?
The overall length of the study isn't specified, but it will involve a period of regular exercise and symptom tracking.
How to find out more
Jean-Philippe CAMDESSANCHE, PHD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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