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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON · Aug 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a 12-week home-based cycling exercise program can help improve blood pressure, thinking skills, and walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who also have high blood pressure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the cycling program or a stretching program, allowing researchers to compare the effects of both activities. The trial aims to see if cycling can help blood vessels work better, which might lead to improvements in both physical and mental health.

To participate, individuals must have a confirmed diagnosis of MS and be between 65 and 74 years old. They should also have high blood pressure and be physically inactive, meaning they exercise less than an hour a week. Participants will need to visit the lab twice—once before starting the program and once after it ends—to complete tests related to their blood pressure, walking ability, and thinking skills. This study will last about 13-14 weeks, and those interested should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and are not dealing with other serious health issues that could affect their participation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Persons with confirmed multiple sclerosis diagnosis with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 4-6.5, characteristic of 2nd stage of multiple sclerosis;
• • Hypertension defined as elevated, or Stage 1 or 2, as per the 2017 American Heart Association guidelines (brachial systolic blood pressure \> 120 mmHg or brachial diastolic blood pressure \> 80 mmHg)
• • Persons who are physically inactive (less than 60 min/wk of physical activity);
• • Persons with body mass index \< 40 kg/m2;
• • Persons who are not confined to a wheel chair;
• • Multiple sclerosis relapse in the past 30 days;
• • People with stable pharmacotherapy.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • People with additional cardiovascular comorbidities;
• • People with type 1 diabetes mellitus;
• • Physician disapproval to participating in the study;
• • Space constraints to fit a cycle ergometer at the home of prospective participants.