NCT06410261 · University of Illinois at Chicago
Exercise Rehabilitation Program in MS Who Use Wheelchairs as a Primary Mobility Device
(MSGH)
What this study is about
Approximately 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) use a wheelchair within 30 years of the initial diagnosis. Wheelchair use in MS is often associated with fatigue as a consequence of muscle weakness.
View original scientific description
Approximately 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) use a wheelchair within 30 years of the initial diagnosis. Wheelchair use in MS is often associated with fatigue as a consequence of muscle weakness. Indeed, fatigue, a prevalent consequence of MS, often becomes debilitating and exhausts energetic resources when carrying-out tasks of daily life and/or interacting with the community, as these require ambulatory mobility. This experience of excessive fatigue has its roots in muscle weakness and results in reliance on a wheelchair for mobility, and the dependency on a wheelchair may further reduce muscular strength, particularly of the lower extremities. We propose that wheelchair users with MS can increase muscular strength through a personalized exercise rehabilitation, and this in turn will improve ambulatory performance and possibly reduce fatigue. To date, no research has examined the effects of this specific exercise rehabilitation program (GH method) on physical function and other disease-related outcomes in persons with MS who use wheelchairs as a primary mobility device.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exercise rehabilitation program
* The sessions will consist of a customized low-impact, resistance-base rehabilitation regime to increase muscle strength and functionality by focusing on isolating each targeted muscle, without increasing the participant's fatigue or pain level. * The goal of phase one will be to start muscle activation without increasing fatigue or pain. Low intensity, single set of 30-35 repetitions for each of the targeted muscles will be performed by the participants, followed by stretching; the goal of phase two will be to progressively develop muscle strength, without increasing pain or fatigue. A single set of 20-25 repetitions for each muscle will be prescribed, followed by stretching; during phase three, the emphasis will be on further development of muscle strength, function, and endurance.
Primary outcome measures
Physical Function
Time frame: Changes in physical function scores from Baseline (pre-intervention), after 3 months (mid-intervention), and after 6 months (post-intervention)
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); the performance scores range between 0 (min) and 12 (max) points, higher scores reflect better physical function
Walking Speed
Time frame: Changes in physical function scores from Baseline (pre-intervention), after 3 months (mid-intervention), and after 6 months (post-intervention)
Timed 25-foot Walking Test (T25FW); the score is the average speed (25 feet divided by time, ft/s) for completing two trials. The minimum and maximum scores (time) depend on individuals' performance. A faster speed represents better ambulatory performance
Lower-Extremity Function
Time frame: Changes in physical function scores from Baseline (pre-intervention), after 3 months (mid-intervention), and after 6 months (post-intervention)
30-Second Sit to Stand Test (30STS). The score is the number of complete repetitions of sit-to-stand movements performed during 30 seconds; the minimum value is 0 repetitions, and the maximum value depends on individuals' performance. Higher scores reflect better lower extremity function
Walking Endurance
Time frame: Changes in physical function scores from Baseline (pre-intervention), after 3 months (mid-intervention), and after 6 months (post-intervention)
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MW); the score is the total walking distance (in meters) during the 6 minutes. The minimum value is 0 meter, and the maximum value depends on individuals' performance. A longer distance (higher scores) indicates better walking endurance
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- diagnosis of MS
- age above 18 years
- no relapse within last 30 days
- use of wheelchair for mobility in the community
- ability to walk at least 50 feet (or 65 steps) using an assistive device
- low risk for contraindications of physical activity indicated by no more than a single "yes"
- response on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
- willingness to complete the assessments and undergo randomization
Exclusion criteria
- no diagnosis of MS
- less than 18 years of age
- not relapse-free within the last 30 days
- no use of wheelchair as primary mobility device
- no ability to walk for at least 50 feet (or 65 steps)
- high risk for contraindications based on more than a single "yes" response on the PAR-Q
- not willing to complete the testing procedures and undergo randomization
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
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Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
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Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations