NCT03677440

Exercise Training Effects on Cognition and Brain Function in Multiple Sclerosis: Project EXACT

Exercise Training Effects on Cognition and Brain Function in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematically-Developed Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 43 (actual)
• Sponsor: Kessler Foundation · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent, poorly-managed, and disabling in persons with MS and exercise training might represent a promising approach to manage this symptom of the disease. The proposed study aims to examine the effects of 3-months of supervised, progressive (both intensity and duration) treadmill walking exercise training (designed based on pilot work and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines) compared with an active control condition (i.e., stretching-and-toning activities) on cognitive processing speed and functional MRI outcomes in 88 cognitively-impaired persons with MS. This study is critical for providing evidence supporting treadmill walking exercise training as a behavioral approach for managing slowed cognitive processing speed (i.e., the most common MS-related cognitive impairment) and improving brain health in persons with MS.

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Treadmill Walking Exercise Training	12-weeks of supervised, progressive treadmill walking exercise training
BEHAVIORAL	Stretching-and-Toning Exercise Training	12-weeks of supervised, progressive stretching-and-toning exercise training

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-02-05
• Primary completion: 2023-12-31
• Completion: 2024-12-31
• First posted: 2018-09-19
• Last updated: 2025-06-05
• Results posted: 2025-06-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States