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The Effects of a 12-week In-phase Bilateral Exercise Programme on the Corticospinal Plasticity in People With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

NCT07548242 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 5

Last updated 2026-04-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigates whether a structured exercise program using coordinated movements of both arms can improve brain and motor function in people with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Progressive MS is associated with gradual worsening of neurological function, including difficulties with movement, strength, balance, and cognition. Because current medications have limited effects on disease progression, rehabilitation strategies that promote brain plasticity and functional recovery are increasingly important.

In this study, five individuals with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis participated in a 12-week exercise program consisting of in-phase bilateral upper-limb movements performed three times per week. Brain activity related to movement was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which assessed corticospinal excitability through active motor threshold measurements. Additional clinical tests evaluated walking speed, balance, hand dexterity, muscle strength, cognitive processing speed, fatigue, and quality of life. The study used a single-case experimental design with repeated measurements during baseline and intervention phases to determine whether the exercise program produced measurable neurophysiological and functional changes.

Conditions

  • Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PMS)

Interventions

OTHER

In-Phase Bilateral Upper Limb Exercise Program

The intervention consisted of a 12-week structured exercise program based on in-phase bilateral upper-limb movements, performed three times per week. During these movements, homologous muscles of both arms were activated simultaneously to promote coordinated bilateral motor activity. Each session lasted approximately 30-60 minutes and included a circuit of functional exercises, adapted sport-related movements (such as basketball chest and overhead passes), resistance exercises for finger flexion and extension, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns. The exercises targeted major upper-limb muscle groups and were performed with a high number of repetitions to promote activity-dependent neuroplasticity. Exercise intensity was monitored using heart rate measurements and maintained below 75% of the participant's age-predicted maximum heart rate to avoid aerobic training intensity. The program was designed to stimulate corticospinal plasticity and improve motor and functional

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Marinos Chatzikonstantinou

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
30 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-02-01
Primary Completion
2025-06-23
Completion
2025-06-23

Countries

  • Cyprus

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07548242 on ClinicalTrials.gov