RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06554340

Vascular Mechanisms, Functional Outcomes, & Exercise Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis With Hypertension

Targeting Vascular Mechanisms of Functional Outcomes Via Home-based Exercise Training Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Hypertension

Sponsor

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Enrollment

80 participants

Start Date

Apr 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hypertension Multiple Sclerosis

Summary

The goal of this study is to determine if 12 weeks of cycling exercise training at home will improve three parameters: 1) blood pressure, 2) cognition, and 3) walking ability among persons with multiple sclerosis who have high blood pressure, when compared to a group that engages in a 12-week home-based stretching program. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Can home-based cycling exercise training improve blood pressure by increasing blood vessel dilation in people with multiple sclerosis? 2. Can cycling exercise training improve cognition and walking mobility in people with multiple sclerosis by improving blood pressure? The investigators will compare home-based cycling training to stretching to see if cycling training improves cognition, walking mobility, blood pressure, and fitness in people with multiple sclerosis. Participation in this study will take 13-14 weeks, with participants being randomized (like flipping a coin, a 50-50 chance of being in either group) to the home-based cycling training or the stretching group. All participants will be asked to * Visit the laboratory two times, one before the beginning of the intervention (home-base training and stretching group) and one at the end of the intervention. * During visits, participants will complete tests related to cognition, walking mobility, blood pressure and fitness.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is looking at how high blood pressure (hypertension) affects the blood vessels and physical function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate disability, and whether a home exercise program can address these issues. It aims to understand the connection between vascular health and MS outcomes. **You may be eligible if...** - You have confirmed MS with moderate disability (EDSS score 4–6.5) - You have elevated or high blood pressure (above 120/80 mmHg) - You are currently physically inactive (less than 60 minutes per week of exercise) - You are not confined to a wheelchair - Your BMI is below 40 **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have additional cardiovascular conditions or type 1 diabetes - Your doctor does not approve your participation - There is not enough room in your home for a stationary exercise bike Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALHome-based aerobic training

The aerobic training will focus on large, dynamic movements of the lower extremities using leg cycling ergometry on an upright cycle ergometer installed in the participant's homes and will progress in duration (10-40 minutes) and intensity (50-70% VO2 peak) over the 3-month intervention period. All participants will start exercise at 50% of VO2peak for 10-min as determined by the exercise test, for the first week, to individualize the exercise prescription. Progression will initially target duration with weekly progressions of 5 min to 30 min of exercise, followed by progression of intensity by 5% per week until 70% is attained, based on patient tolerance of the increased work.