Prepare the Mind: Can Coaching in Goal-directed Behaviour Increase the Success of Cognitive Rehabilitation in People With MS?

Summary

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often experience cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, concentration issues, and reduced processing speed. These symptoms can have a negative impact on daily functioning and overall quality of life. Previous research on cognitive rehabilitation has shown that regular training focused on memory and concentration can have positive effects on cognitive functioning, including processing speed, memory, and executive functions that support daily activities. Moreover, fMRI studies (brain scans that measure brain activity) have revealed changes in brain activation following cognitive rehabilitation.

Recently, the idea has emerged that a more personalized approach could improve treatment outcomes. Specifically, researchers have identified a link between personality traits and cognitive functioning. Since every individual is different, current cognitive rehabilitation programs often fail to take these personal differences into account.

In this project, the investigators aim to enhance the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation by focusing more closely on individual characteristics through an app-based training program. Participants will complete a 12-week app training prior to a 6-week cognitive rehabilitation program. The first app focuses on mindset training, supported by a coach. Afterwards, all participants will use a second app designed to train processing speed and memory. In addition to cognitive functioning, the investigators will also examine psychological, (neuro)biological, and social changes using questionnaires and fMRI. This research may provide valuable insights into how cognitive functioning and quality of life in people with MS can be improved.

This study is funded by the National MS Fund and is a collaboration between several institutions: the Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology at Leiden University (The Netherlands), the University at Buffalo (USA), and Reha Rheinfelden (Switzerland).

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Conscientiousness Coaching Before Cognitive Rehabilitation

In this arm, participants complete the conscientiousness coaching before the cognitive rehabilitation. All participants (both arms) will receive 6 weeks of cognitive rehabilitation using BrainHQ (2 times per week, 1 hour each).

BEHAVIORAL

Sham Intervention Before Cognitive Rehabilitation

In this arm, participants complete the sham intervention before the cognitive rehabilitation. All participants (both arms) will receive 6 weeks of cognitive rehabilitation using BrainHQ (2 times per week, 1 hour each).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Reha Rheinfelden

  collaborator OTHER

• University at Buffalo

  collaborator OTHER

• Universiteit Leiden

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Hanneke E Hulst, Prof · Leiden University

• Priska Zuber, PhD · Reha Rheinfelden

• Ralph HB Benedict, Prof · Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neurology, University at Buffalo

• Marit FL Ruitenberg, PhD · Leiden University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-01

Primary Completion

2028-12-31

Completion

2028-12-31

Countries

• United States
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Study Locations