Speed of Processing Training to Improve Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

February 19, 2020 updated by: Nancy Chiaravalloti, Kessler Foundation

Speed of Processing Training to Improve Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a computerized technique designed to improve processing speed (i.e. the amount of time it takes for a person's brain to process information) in a multiple sclerosis (MS) population. The study is designed to study how well this technique can help people with MS increase their processing speed and their ability to function better in everyday life. This treatment protocol has been studied extensively with older adults, showing improvements on standard laboratory measures of processing speed and performance of activities of daily living.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This study is a double-blind, placebo-control randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of Speed of Processing Training (SPT) for improving processing speed (PS) deficits in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Slowed PS is one of the most common deficits in individuals with MS and such deficits have been shown to exert significant negative impact on multiple aspects of everyday life, including occupational and social functioning. Despite these findings, few studies have attempted to remediate PS deficits in order to improve the everyday functioning of individuals with MS. This study is designed to (1) apply a treatment protocol for PS impairments well-validated in an aging population to individuals with MS with objectively observable deficits in PS and document its efficacy on standard neuropsychological outcome measures. In addition, the investigators will (2) assess the effectiveness of the intervention utilizing global measures of everyday life, including an objective measure (the Timed Activities of Daily Living; TIADL), as well as additional questionnaires to be completed by both the participant and a significant other. This study is also designed to (3) examine the influence of degree of PS impairment on treatment efficacy using neuropsychological tests, (4) evaluate the long-term effects of the treatment protocol and (5) examine the utility of booster sessions to facilitate long-term treatment effects.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

100

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • New Jersey
      • West Orange, New Jersey, United States, 07052
        • Kessler Foundation

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 59 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • English as a primary language
  • diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
  • processing speed impairment (based on evaluation)

Exclusion Criteria:

  • most recent exacerbation within one month
  • currently taking steroids or benzodiazepines
  • history of significant psychiatric illness (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) or a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
  • significant alcohol or drug abuse history

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Triple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Speed of Processing Training (SPT)
SPT will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for 5 weeks (10 training sessions).
Behavioral: Speed of Processing Training (SPT)
Placebo Comparator: Placebo control group
Placebo control exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for 5 weeks (10 sessions)
Behavioral: Placebo Control
Placebo control exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for 5 weeks (10 training sessions).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Time Frame
Change in scores on standardized tests of processing speed
Time Frame: Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed
Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in scores on self-report of emotional functioning, measured via questionnaire
Time Frame: Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed
Self-report questionnaires and objective measures of everyday performance will be used to determine whether there have been changes across the three time points.
Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed
Change in scores on self-report of everyday functioning, measured via questionnaire
Time Frame: Three points in time: pre-treatment, immediately following treatment and 6 months after treatment is completed
Three points in time: pre-treatment, immediately following treatment and 6 months after treatment is completed
Change in scores on self-report of quality of life, measured via questionnaire
Time Frame: Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed
Three points in time: baseline (week1), immediately following treatment (week 7) and 6 months after treatment is completed

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Kessler Foundation

Collaborators

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, Kessler Foundation

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

April 1, 2014

Primary Completion (Actual)

February 1, 2020

Study Completion (Actual)

February 1, 2020

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 23, 2014

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 21, 2014

First Posted (Estimate)

November 25, 2014

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

February 20, 2020

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 19, 2020

Last Verified

February 1, 2020

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • RG 4997A5/1

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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