A Novel Combinatory Approach to Maximize Functional Recovery of Learning and Memory in Multiple Sclerosis

NCT ID: NCT06197685

Last Updated: 2025-09-02

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

78 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-02-12

Study Completion Date

2026-06-30

Brief Summary

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The goal of this novel study is to compare the effect of a combined cognitive rehabilitation and exercise approach on new learning and memory (NLM) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and mobility disability.

Detailed Description

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The proposed research study will be the first to apply the Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®), the practice standard for cognitive rehabilitation, with one of two exercise programs. Alone, KF-mSMT® has been beneficial to NLM impairment, however, its effects are highly selective to list learning and as such, will not maximally restore NLM function. The combination of KF-mSMT® and exercise provides a robust approach towards maximal functional recovery.

Conditions

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Multiple Sclerosis

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors
Participants will be blinded to the intent of the two exercise conditions. The outcomes assessor will also be blinded to the random assignment of enrolled participants.

Study Groups

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Cognitive Rehabilitation + Aerobic Exercise with Virtual Reality (VR)

In the cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise with VR condition, participants will complete a supervised, aerobic exercise training program (AET) integrated with virtual reality (Ideally Designed Exercise to Accelerate Learning/memory; IDEAL) three days per week over a 12 week period. For seven weeks, participants will only complete IDEAL. For weeks 8-12, participants will complete the Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®), a memory retraining program on 2 of the 3 days per week.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

The Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique® (KF-mSMT®)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

KF-mSMT is a memory retraining technique that consists of two-related skills: (1) imagery and (2) context/organization. The proposed KF-mSMT intervention includes 10 total sessions with 2 sessions per week for 5 weeks. Each session will last 45-60 minutes.

Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) plus Virtual Reality (IDEAL)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The AET condition includes 12 weeks of supervised, progressive, moderate intensity cycle ergometry. The AET will include semi-immersive, interactive VR such the cycling speed on the bike will translate directly to perceived speed through the virtual environment.

Cognitive Rehabilitation + Stretching and Toning

In the cognitive rehabilitation and stretching and toning (S/T) exercise condition, participants will complete 12 weeks of supervised S/T activities 3 days per week over the 12 week period. For seven weeks, participants will only complete S/T. During weeks 8-12, participants will complete the Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®), a memory retraining program on 2 of the 3 days per week.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

The Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique® (KF-mSMT®)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

KF-mSMT is a memory retraining technique that consists of two-related skills: (1) imagery and (2) context/organization. The proposed KF-mSMT intervention includes 10 total sessions with 2 sessions per week for 5 weeks. Each session will last 45-60 minutes.

Stretching and Toning (S/T)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The S/T condition will include 12 weeks of supervised S/T activities that target the head/neck. shoulder, elbow/forearm, hand/wrist, trunk/hip, ankle/foot.

Interventions

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The Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique® (KF-mSMT®)

KF-mSMT is a memory retraining technique that consists of two-related skills: (1) imagery and (2) context/organization. The proposed KF-mSMT intervention includes 10 total sessions with 2 sessions per week for 5 weeks. Each session will last 45-60 minutes.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) plus Virtual Reality (IDEAL)

The AET condition includes 12 weeks of supervised, progressive, moderate intensity cycle ergometry. The AET will include semi-immersive, interactive VR such the cycling speed on the bike will translate directly to perceived speed through the virtual environment.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Stretching and Toning (S/T)

The S/T condition will include 12 weeks of supervised S/T activities that target the head/neck. shoulder, elbow/forearm, hand/wrist, trunk/hip, ankle/foot.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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IDEAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Be within the ages of 18 and 70 years of age
* Speak English as their primary language
* Confirmed MS diagnosis by a neurologist
* Be relapse and steroid-free for at least 30 days
* Mild-to-moderate self-reported mobility disability, based on the Patient Determined Disease Steps scale (PDDS)
* Currently physically inactive, based on the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ)
* Right handedness

Exclusion Criteria

* History of neurological disorders besides MS or history of uncontrolled psychiatric disorders (ex: major depression)
* Have contraindications to exercise, based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
* Currently use medications that may impact cognition (ex: steroids, benzodiazepines)
* Currently pregnant
* Contraindication for MRI (metal or electronic devices in the body that are not considered MRI safe)
* Severe cognitive impairment as measured by the Modified Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS-M)
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

70 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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National Multiple Sclerosis Society

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Kessler Foundation

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Carly Wender

Research Scientist

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Carly Wender, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Kessler Foundation

Locations

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Kessler Foundation

East Hanover, New Jersey, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Carly Wender, PhD

Role: CONTACT

(973) 324-8388

Facility Contacts

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Carly Wender, PhD

Role: primary

9732436984

Other Identifiers

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R123323

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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