Actively Recruiting
Effects of Exercise and Sleep on Motor Learning and Functional Abilities in Multiple Sclerosis
Led by Zealand University Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-08
20
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
156 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Z
Zealand University Hospital
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Copenhagen
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The ExSiMS study is a randomized, controlled crossover study including 20 individuals (18-70 years) diagnosed with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) This project investigates, through behavioral and neurophysiological measurements, how aerobic exercise on an ergometer bike and sleep in the form of a nap and overnight sleep may enhance cortical motor skill learning evaluated by a complex hand motor skill test and thereby improve functional capacity in individuals with MS. Beyond the effect on motor skill learning, the project investigate the effect on electroencephalography (EEG) - electromyography (EMG) coherence. The study hypothesizes that individuals with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), may experience beneficial effects on specific motor rehabilitation through systematically planned cardiovascular exercise and sleep scheduling, due to positive impacts on memory consolidation. Aims: * Investigate the brain's neurophysiological responses and memory effects following a training intervention and, separately, sleep, in the form of a power nap, in individuals with MS. * Examine whether these effects persist beyond the few days previously observed in healthy individuals by implementing a longer-term intervention. * Explore whether the training effect is influenced by disease activity in the brain, such as during relapses and during immunosuppressive treatment. * Assess whether the presence of abnormally reduced cognitive endurance (fatigue) affects the impact of the intervention involving exercise and sleep. The study is based on documented positive effects of physical activity and sleep in both young and older adults, as well as in individuals recovering from stroke. The research thus offers promising perspectives for broader applications within neurorehabilitation, and particularly for MS, as the disease is associated with functional impairments. At the same time, both physical exercise and sleep represent meaningful interventions that should be thoughtfully integrated into rehabilitation strategies.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Exercise and Sleep on Motor Learning and Functional Abilities in Multiple Sclerosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18 to 70 years
- Diagnosed with early relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
- Expanded Disability Status Score between 1 and 4.5
- Muscle strength of 4+ or higher in the dominant hand
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of implanted devices such as pacemakers or stimulators
- Diagnosis of epilepsy or neuromuscular diseases
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Section of Movement and Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark, 2200
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Zealand University Hospital Roskilde
Roskilde, Denmark, 4000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Caroline Sadolin Muushardt, MSc
CONTACT
M
Martin Ballegaard, MD MPG PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
3
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