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Wender CLA, Arbelaez O, Tong TT, Salter A, Wylie GR, Motl RW, Sandroff BM, Chiaravalloti ND. Rationale and methodology for examining the combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation on new learning and memory in persons with multiple sclerosis and mobility disability: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 144:107630. [PMID: 39002892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper describes the protocol for a Phase I/II, parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT investigates the combined effects of 12-weeks of aerobic exercise training (AET) integrated with virtual reality (VR) and cognitive rehabilitation (CR) on new learning and memory in 78 persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have mobility disability and objective impairments in learning and memory. METHODS Participants will undergo baseline assessments consisting of neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, self-report questionnaires, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants will then be randomized into one of two conditions using concealed allocation: aerobic cycling exercise that incorporates VR combined with CR or stretching and toning (i.e., active control; S/T) combined with CR. Participants will be masked regarding the intent of the conditions. After 7-weeks of exercise alone, the 5-week Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®) will be integrated into the training. After the 12-week training period, participants will complete the same measures as at baseline administered by treatment-blinded assessors. Primary study outcomes include new learning and memory (NLM) measured by a small battery of neuropsychological assessments that assess list learning (California Verbal Learning Test-II), prose memory (Memory Assessment Scale), visuospatial memory (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised), and everyday memory (Ecological Memory Simulations). Secondary study outcomes include neuroimaging outcomes of hippocampal structure, function, and connectivity. CONCLUSION If successful, this trial will provide the first Class I evidence supporting the unique combination of aerobic cycling exercise with VR and CR for treating MS-related learning and memory impairments in persons with mobility disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly L A Wender
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers-NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Odalys Arbelaez
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Tien T Tong
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Amber Salter
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Glenn R Wylie
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers-NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers-NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Nancy D Chiaravalloti
- Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers-NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Zheng P, Sandroff BM, Motl RW. Free-living ambulatory physical activity and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: the significance of step rate vs. step volume. J Neurol 2024; 271:1638-1648. [PMID: 38214757 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) represents a promising behavioral approach for managing cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is a lack of information on the pattern of free-living PA intensity (e.g., step rate) and its unique association with cognition. Such information is essential for informing clinical trials in MS. OBJECTIVE We examined associations among PA volume and intensity with cognitive function in persons with MS, and intensity was derived from steps-based metrics (peak 30-min cadence [Peak-30CAD], and time spent in incremental cadence bands). METHODS We included data from 147 persons with MS who underwent assessments of cognitive function (via Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS) and wore an ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer for 7 days. We performed bivariate and partial correlations and regression analyses examining associations among PA metrics and cognitive outcomes. RESULTS Higher Peak-30CAD was significantly associated with better performance in cognitive processing speed and verbal learning and memory (rs = 0.19-0.38), and the associations remained significant when controlling for daily steps, age, sex, and years of education (p < 0.05). By comparison, daily steps was only correlated with cognitive processing speed (rs = 0.26), and the association was non-significant when controlling for Peak-30CAD and covariates. There were stronger correlations among time spent in higher intensity cadence bands with cognitive performance (rs = 0.18-0.38). CONCLUSION Our results highlight the important role of PA intensity for cognition in MS, and may inform future development of focal PA interventions that focusing on step rate patterns for improving cognition in persons with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixuan Zheng
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 545 AHSB, 1919 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 545 AHSB, 1919 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Motl RW, Sandroff BM, Benedict RHB, Aldunate R, Cutter G, Barron E. Internet-delivered lifestyle physical activity intervention for cognitive processing speed in multiple sclerosis. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 138:107446. [PMID: 38242351 PMCID: PMC11162540 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We propose a randomized controlled trial(RCT) of a Social Cognitive Theory-based(SCT), Internet-delivered behavioral intervention targeting lifestyle physical activity(LPA) for yielding improvements in cognitive processing speed(CPS), learning and memory(L/M), symptoms, and quality of life(QOL) among persons with mild multiple sclerosis(MS)-related ambulatory impairment who have impaired CPS. METHODS/DESIGN The study involves a Phase-II, parallel group, RCT design. Participants with MS(N = 300) will be randomly assigned on an equal basis(1:1) into behavioral intervention(n = 150) or attention and social contact control(n = 150) conditions. The conditions will be administered over 6-months by trained behavior coaches who will be uninvolved in screening, recruitment, random assignment, and outcome assessment. We will collect outcome data remotely every 6-months over the 12-month period(baseline, immediate follow-up, and 6-month follow-up) using a treatment blinded assessor. The primary outcome is the raw, oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test as a neuropsychological measure of CPS. The secondary outcomes include the California Verbal Learning Test-II as an objective measure of L/M, and patient-reported outcomes of fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety, pain, and QOL. The tertiary outcome is accelerometry as an objective, device-based measure of steps/day for generating a minimal clinically important difference(MCID) value that guides the prescription of LPA for improving CPS in clinical practice. The primary data analyses will involve intent-to-treat principles, and mixed-effects models and logistic regression. DISCUSSION If successful, the proposed study will provide Class I evidence for the efficacy of a theory-based, Internet-delivered behavioral intervention focusing on LPA for improving CPS and mitigating its negative impact on other outcomes in persons with MS. CLINICALTRIALS gov: NCT04518657.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA..
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
| | - Ralph H B Benedict
- Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, 1001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Roberto Aldunate
- Center for Innovation and Applied Research, 1807 Savanna Dr., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Emily Barron
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Huynh TLT, Barstow EA, Motl RW. Feasibility of a theory-based physical activity intervention for persons newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105446. [PMID: 38262331 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for rehabilitation and symptom management in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet persons newly diagnosed with MS are insufficiently active and have not been the focus of PA research. This is important as early initiation of lifestyle PA, alongside other disease modifying therapies, might maximize the lasting benefits of this behavior on health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in MS. PURPOSE This single group, pre-post study examined the feasibility and initial efficacy of a 12-week remotely delivered COM-B-based behavior change intervention targeting lifestyle PA in persons newly diagnosed with MS. METHODS Persons newly diagnosed with MS (diagnosis of 2 years or less) were recruited for the study. The intervention was designed based on COM-B and formative research, and included a program manual, newsletters, video coaching calls, pedometer, logbook, and calendar. Feasibility was assessed in four domains: process (e.g., recruitment, retention), resource (e.g., time and costs), management (e.g., data management), and scientific evidence (e.g., safety, treatment effects). RESULTS Thirty-two persons newly diagnosed with MS underwent screening, 17 were eligible, and 14 started the intervention. Twelve participants completed the study (86 % retention rate). All participants in the intervention engaged in 100 % of video coaching calls and participants provided 73 % of online step count entries. Eighty-three percent of participants fully complied with reviewing the newsletters. No relapses were reported during the intervention. There were moderate-to-large increases in PA outcomes, as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accelerometry (light PA) (d ≥ 0.5). There were no significant changes in other accelerometry outcomes, including step counts and moderate-to-vigorous PA (d = 0.2). There were large, positive effects of the intervention on physical and mental health-related quality of life with (d ≥ 1), but the change in fatigue severity was small and not statistically significant among the study participants (d = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for feasibility and initial efficacy of a COM-B-based PA intervention for persons newly diagnosed with MS. The results indicate that this intervention was feasible, safe, acceptable, and promising for promoting lifestyle PA in persons newly diagnosed with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinh L T Huynh
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Barstow
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Feinstein A, Amato MP, Brichetto G, Chataway J, Chiaravalloti ND, Cutter G, Dalgas U, DeLuca J, Farrell R, Feys P, Filippi M, Freeman J, Inglese M, Meza C, Motl RW, Rocca MA, Sandroff BM, Salter A. Cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise for cognitive impairment in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (CogEx): a randomised, blinded, sham-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:912-924. [PMID: 37739574 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can improve with cognitive rehabilitation or exercise. Similar effects have not been clearly shown in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. We aimed to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of cognitive rehabilitation and exercise in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. METHODS CogEx was a randomised, sham-controlled trial completed in 11 hospital clinics, universities, and rehabilitation centres in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Italy, UK, and USA. Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis were eligible for inclusion if they were aged 25-65 years and had an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of less than 7. All had impaired processing speed defined as a performance of 1·282 SD or greater below normative data on the Symbol Digit modalities Tests (SDMT). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1), using an interactive web-response system accessed online from each centre, to cognitive rehabilitation plus exercise, cognitive rehabilitation plus sham exercise, exercise plus sham cognitive rehabilitation, or sham exercise plus sham cognitive rehabilitation. The study statistician created the randomisation sequence that was stratified by centre. Participants, outcome assessors, and investigators were blinded to group allocation. The study statistician was masked to treatment during analysis only. Interventions were conducted two times per week for 12 weeks: cognitive rehabilitation used an individualised, computer-based, incremental approach to improve processing speed; sham cognitive rehabilitation consisted of internet training provided individually; the exercise intervention involved individualised aerobic training using a recumbent arm-leg stepper; and the sham exercise involved stretching and balance tasks without inducing cardiovascular strain. The primary outcome measure was processing speed measured by SDMT at 12 weeks; least squares mean differences were compared between groups using linear mixed model in all participants who had a 12-week assessment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03679468, and is completed. FINDINGS Between Dec 14, 2018, and April 2, 2022, 311 people with progressive multiple sclerosis were enrolled and 284 (91%) completed the 12-week assessment (117/311 [38%] male and 194/311 [62%] female). The least squares mean group differences in SDMT at 12 weeks did not differ between groups (p=0·85). Compared with the sham cognitive rehabilitation and sham exercise group (n=67), differences were -1·30 (95% CI -3·75 to 1·16) for the cognitive rehabilitation plus exercise group (n=70); -2·78 (-5·23 to -0·33) for the sham cognitive rehabilitation plus exercise group (n=71); and -0·71 (-3·11 to 1·70) for the cognitive rehabilitation plus sham exercise group (n=76). 11 adverse events possibly related to the interventions occurred, six in the exercise plus sham cognitive rehabilitation group (pain, dizziness, and falls), two in the cognitive rehabilitation plus sham exercise group (headache and pain), two in the cognitive rehabilitation and exercise group (increased fatigue and pain), and one in the dual sham group (fall). INTERPRETATION Combined cognitive rehabilitation plus exercise does not seem to improve processing speed in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. However, our sham interventions were not inactive. Studies comparing interventions with a non-intervention group are needed to investigate whether clinically meaningful improvements in processing speed might be attainable in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. FUNDING MS Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Feinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Genoa, Italy; AISM Rehabilitation Service, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Nancy D Chiaravalloti
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ulrik Dalgas
- Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - John DeLuca
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Rachel Farrell
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Peter Feys
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium; UMSC University MS Center Hasselt Pelt, Belgium
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurophysiology Service, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jennifer Freeman
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Meza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Amber Salter
- Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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