Educational Programs Based on Healthy Habits to Improve Quality of Life and Psychosocial Profile in Women With Neurodegenerative Diseases: the ADVICE Protocol Study (Phase 2) (ADVICE Phase 2)

March 22, 2026 updated by: Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias, Universidad de Almeria

Educational Programs Based on Healthy Habits to Improve Quality of Life and Psychosocial Profile in Women With Neurodegenerative Diseases: The ADVICE Protocol Study

This phase of the project aims to compare in-person, supervised educational programs (EP) with online self-guided EPs in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A total of 75 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a supervised and individualized educational program focused on HIIT training, a supervised and individualized educational program focused on strength training, and a non-supervised, self-guided educational program based on resistance band training. Additionally, sessions on the Mediterranean diet (both supervised and non-supervised) and cognitive-behavioral interventions will be included. A control evaluation will be conducted three months after the intervention to assess the effects of the educational programs, followed by another evaluation three months later to analyze residual effects. Women who participated in Phase 1 of the study will be invited to take part in this second phase.

Study Overview

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

60

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

    • Murcia
      • Murcia, Murcia, Spain, 30120
        • Hospital Universitario Virgen de La Arrixaca

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

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion criteria include:

  • Women and men of reproductive age (18-45 years) with MS will be included, with the upper age limit adjusted to reflect the reproductive phase;
  • no iron-deficiency anemia;
  • stable disease phase;
  • independent walking ability for over 10 meters.

Women will be recruited first and later matched with men based on age, EDSS, and lifestyle habits (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption).

Exclusion criteria will include participants with MS who:

  • score <1 or >6 on the EDSS;
  • report a relapse within 12 months before the study begins;
  • have taken corticosteroid treatment within the last 2 months;
  • have participated in a structured training program in the previous 6 months.

Once all women with MS are recruited, male participants will be recruited following a 1:1 matching methodology based on age, geographic region, and lifestyle habits.

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: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Triple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Supervised Strength Training Program (PE1)
Participants will complete 36 strength sessions (3 times a week) at a moderate intensity, 6 educational nutritional intervention sessions, and 8 sessions on energy and fatigue management.

This arm of the study consists of a supervised strength training program, conducted over 12 weeks with three weekly sessions. The sessions follow a wave-like periodization, with intensities ranging from 70% to 85% of 1-RM. Exercises focus on enhancing neuromuscular strength in the lower limbs, such as leg presses and hip extensions, under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.

Participants will also receive nutritional guidance based on the Mediterranean diet, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies aimed at optimizing fatigue management and boosting energy levels.

Active Comparator: Self-Guided and Unsupervised Program with General Recommendations (PE1)
Participants will be involved in an unsupervised, self-directed program focusing on physical exercise (three times per week), nutrition and cognitive-behavioral habits.
This arm of the study consists of a self-guided and unsupervised program based on physical exercise (3 times per week), nutrition, and cognitive-behavioral habits. Participants will access online modules that provide guidelines for performing resistance exercises with bands, dietary recommendations following the principles of the Mediterranean diet, and cognitive-behavioral techniques for fatigue management.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Satisfaction with Physical Activity
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention)
Satisfaction with Physical Activity will be measured using an eight-item, 5-point Likert scale
Baseline (pre-intervention)
Satisfaction with Physical Activity
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention
Satisfaction with Physical Activity will be measured using an eight-item, 5-point Likert scale
Immediately after the intervention
Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F)
Time Frame: Immediately before each of the 36 exercise sessions (pre-session assessment).
The Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F) assesses subjective levels of fatigue and energy
Immediately before each of the 36 exercise sessions (pre-session assessment).
Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F)
Time Frame: Immediately after each of the 36 exercise sessions (post-session assessment).
The Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F) assesses subjective levels of fatigue and energy
Immediately after each of the 36 exercise sessions (post-session assessment).
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Fatigue perception will be measured using the MFIS. This scale is a 21-item multidimensional questionnaire that evaluates the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial effects of fatigue on a five-point ordinal scale (with a maximum total score of 84).
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Fatigue perception will be measured using the MFIS. This scale is a 21-item multidimensional questionnaire that evaluates the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial effects of fatigue on a five-point ordinal scale (with a maximum total score of 84)
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Inflammatory Profile
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The inflammatory profile evaluates key cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β1, to assess systemic inflammation and immune response dynamics
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Inflammatory Profile
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The inflammatory profile evaluates key cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β1, to assess systemic inflammation and immune response dynamics
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The hormonal profile
Time Frame: Pre-intervention in each phase of the menstrual cycle (early follicular phase, late follicular phase and mid-luteal phase).
The hormonal profile includes the assessment of TSH, progesterone (PG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone to evaluate endocrine function, menstrual cycle phases, and hormonal balance.
Pre-intervention in each phase of the menstrual cycle (early follicular phase, late follicular phase and mid-luteal phase).
Cognitive Function
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein involved in neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and neuronal survival, serving as a blood biomarker for brain health and adaptability.
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Cognitive Function
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein involved in neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and neuronal survival, serving as a blood biomarker for brain health and adaptability
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is one of the most relevant biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Simoa detection technique (ultrasensitive single-molecule array) allows its analysis in serum, providing both the total value and the Z-Score, enabling precise assessment of axonal damage and disease progression.
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL)
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is one of the most relevant biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Simoa detection technique (ultrasensitive single-molecule array) allows its analysis in serum, providing both the total value and the Z-Score, enabling precise assessment of axonal damage and disease progression.
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Physical Self-Perception
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Physical self-perception will be evaluated using six subscales-sports competence, physical condition, body attractiveness, physical strength, general physical self-perception, and overall self-perception-on a 5-point Likert scale
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Physical Self-Perception
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Physical self-perception will be evaluated using six subscales-sports competence, physical condition, body attractiveness, physical strength, general physical self-perception, and overall self-perception-on a 5-point Likert scale
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Walking Endurance
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Participants will undergo the 2-minute walk test, during which they will walk at their preferred, self-selected speed to assess walking endurance. The test course will be rectangular, with corners marked by cones. Participants will be allowed to rest during the test, if necessary, but the clock will not stop during these rest periods. The total distance covered will be recorded
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Walking Endurance
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Participants will undergo the 2-minute walk test, during which they will walk at their preferred, self-selected speed to assess walking endurance. The test course will be rectangular, with corners marked by cones. Participants will be allowed to rest during the test, if necessary, but the clock will not stop during these rest periods. The total distance covered will be recorded
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Pain Catastrophizing
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale will measure catastrophic thoughts related to pain, focusing on rumination and helplessness, with responses on a similar scale
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Pain Catastrophizing
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale will measure catastrophic thoughts related to pain, focusing on rumination and helplessness, with responses on a similar scale
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Quality of Life questionnaire
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 will gauge quality of life across 14 subscales, yielding physical and mental health composite scores
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Quality of Life questionnaire
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 will gauge quality of life across 14 subscales, yielding physical and mental health composite scores
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
State-Trait Anxiety
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Description: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory will measure both situational and general anxiety on a 4-point scale
Baseline (pre-intervention).
State-Trait Anxiety
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory will measure both situational and general anxiety on a 4-point scaleTime Frame: Before the first training session
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Rate of force development
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Participants will sit in a chair with both legs flexed at a 90-degree angle, and the tested ankle securely attached to a customized device with a load cell (MuscleLab Force Sensor, Ergotest AS, Langesund, Norway). They will perform three maximum contractions, each lasting 2 seconds, with 3 minutes of rest in between. The RFD will be analyzed. Testing will begin with the right leg, and the repetition with the highest recorded value for each leg will be used in the analysis
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Rate of force development
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Participants will sit in a chair with both legs flexed at a 90-degree angle, and the tested ankle securely attached to a customized device with a load cell (MuscleLab Force Sensor, Ergotest AS, Langesund, Norway). They will perform three maximum contractions, each lasting 2 seconds, with 3 minutes of rest in between. The RFD will be analyzed. Testing will begin with the right leg, and the repetition with the highest recorded value for each leg will be used in the analysis
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Participants will sit in a chair with both legs flexed at a 90-degree angle, and the tested ankle securely attached to a customized device with a load cell (MuscleLab Force Sensor, Ergotest AS, Langesund, Norway).Participants will perform three 5-second MVIC, with 3 minutes of rest in between. Testing will always begin with the right leg, and the contraction with the highest recorded MVIC value will be used in the analysis Time Frame: Before the first training session
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Participants will sit in a chair with both legs flexed at a 90-degree angle, and the tested ankle securely attached to a customized device with a load cell (MuscleLab Force Sensor, Ergotest AS, Langesund, Norway).Participants will perform three 5-second MVIC, with 3 minutes of rest in between. Testing will always begin with the right leg, and the contraction with the highest recorded MVIC value will be used in the analysis Time Frame: Before the first training session
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Maximal neural drive
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
To measure neural drive, the electromyographic activity (sEMG) of the right leg's vastus lateralis will be recorded during the MVIC (Delsys Trigno, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA) with skin prepared and electrode positioning following SENIAM guidelines. EMG peak will be analyzed. The EMG peak during MVIC will represent the maximum neural drive
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Maximal neural drive
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
To measure neural drive, the electromyographic activity (sEMG) of the right leg's vastus lateralis will be recorded during the MVIC (Delsys Trigno, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA) with skin prepared and electrode positioning following SENIAM guidelines. EMG peak will be analyzed. The EMG peak during MVIC will represent the maximum neural drive
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Central activation ratio
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Two bipolar electrodes (10×15 cm) will be placed on the right quadriceps, with electrical stimulation controlled by Signal 6.0 software (CED, Cambridge, England) at 100 Hz frequency, 50 pulses, 0.009 s pulse duration, and 0.01 s interval, set to 40-50% of MVIC. Central activation ratio (CAR) will be assessed through a sequence of one supramaximal twitch, a 100 Hz tetanic train, an MVIC with superimposed tetanic train, followed by a potentiated tetanic train and a potentiated supramaximal twitch. This sequence will be repeated twice with 2-minute rests, and twitch-to-tetanus ratio, MVIC peak, and maximum force values will be calculated for CAR. The CAR will be calculated using the following formula: "CAR= " "Force during MVIC" /"Force during MVIC + supramaximal stimulation"
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Central activation ratio
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Two bipolar electrodes (10×15 cm) will be placed on the right quadriceps, with electrical stimulation controlled by Signal 6.0 software (CED, Cambridge, England) at 100 Hz frequency, 50 pulses, 0.009 s pulse duration, and 0.01 s interval, set to 40-50% of MVIC. Central activation ratio (CAR) will be assessed through a sequence of one supramaximal twitch, a 100 Hz tetanic train, an MVIC with superimposed tetanic train, followed by a potentiated tetanic train and a potentiated supramaximal twitch. This sequence will be repeated twice with 2-minute rests, and twitch-to-tetanus ratio, MVIC peak, and maximum force values will be calculated for CAR. The CAR will be calculated using the following formula: "CAR= " "Force during MVIC" /"Force during MVIC + supramaximal stimulation"
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Upper Limb Maximum Strength
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Isometric grip strength will be measured with an electronic dynamometer (K-Force Grip, Kinvent, Montpellier, France) as participants stand with elbows extended. Each hand will perform 3 trials, with 30 seconds rest between attempts
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Upper Limb Maximum Strength
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Isometric grip strength will be measured with an electronic dynamometer (K-Force Grip, Kinvent, Montpellier, France) as participants stand with elbows extended. Each hand will perform 3 trials, with 30 seconds rest between attempts
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Spasticity
Time Frame: Before the first session of the intervention program
The Pendulum Test is used to assess the level of spasticity by evaluating the resistance to passive movement in the affected limb. The test involves moving the limb in a pendulum-like motion and observing the fluidity of the movement, with increased resistance indicating higher spasticity levels
Before the first session of the intervention program
Spasticity
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The Pendulum Test is used to assess the level of spasticity by evaluating the resistance to passive movement in the affected limb. The test involves moving the limb in a pendulum-like motion and observing the fluidity of the movement, with increased resistance indicating higher spasticity levels
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Intrinsic muscle characteristics
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Muscle characteristics (frequency, stiffness, degradation) assessed with MyotonPRO (MyotonPRO, Myoton AS, Estonia)
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Intrinsic muscle characteristics
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Muscle characteristics (frequency, stiffness, degradation) assessed with MyotonPRO (MyotonPRO, Myoton AS, Estonia)
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Gait speed
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Gait speed will be determined with the 10-meter walk test using two photocells (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway) at 5 and 10 meters; participants will complete two maximum-speed trials, with the slower time recorded
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Gait speed
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Gait speed will be determined with the 10-meter walk test using two photocells (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway) at 5 and 10 meters; participants will complete two maximum-speed trials, with the slower time recorded
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Static balance with eyes open
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Balance is measured with static trials on a force platform (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway), where participants stand barefoot with arms at their sides for two 30-second trials each
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Static balance with eyes open
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Balance is measured with static trials on a force platform (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway), where participants stand barefoot with arms at their sides for two 30-second trials each
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Static balance with eyes closed
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Balance is measured with static trials on a force platform (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway), where participants stand barefoot with arms at their sides for two 30-second trials each
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Static balance with eyes closed
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Balance is measured with static trials on a force platform (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway), where participants stand barefoot with arms at their sides for two 30-second trials each
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Sit-to-stand
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The sit-to-stand test requires participants to rise as quickly as possible from a seated position with 90º knee flexion and arms crossed
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Sit-to-stand
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The sit-to-stand test requires participants to rise as quickly as possible from a seated position with 90º knee flexion and arms crossed
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Timed Up-and-Go test
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
In the Timed Up-and-Go test, participants move from sitting to standing, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Timed Up-and-Go test
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
In the Timed Up-and-Go test, participants move from sitting to standing, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
To measure delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a 10-point visual analogue scale shall be used, where 1 = no pain and 10 = intolerable pain
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Subjective Perception of Effort
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Participants will be instructed and familiarized with the use of the RPE scale during the familiarization phase. RPE will be assessed before, during (after each exercise within the session), and after the training session using the Borg 6-20 RPE scale
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Fatigue Visual Analog Scale (VAS-F)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The VAS-F will be used to measure fatigue. This scale, is subdivided into two subscales: fatigue and energy. The VAS-F features a 100 mm long horizontal line, with the term "none" at one end and "very severe" at the opposite end. Participants are required to mark the point on the line corresponding to their perception of the severity of fatigue between these two endpoints.
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Anthropometric
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Anthropometric measurements will be taken to assess body morphology, fat distribution, and potential alterations due to multiple sclerosis (MS), such as muscle atrophy or changes in body fat percentage. These measurements provide valuable information regarding comorbidities, including abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk, which are particularly relevant in MS due to factors like reduced mobility or medication use
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Anthropometric
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Anthropometric measurements will be taken to assess body morphology, fat distribution, and potential alterations due to multiple sclerosis (MS), such as muscle atrophy or changes in body fat percentage. These measurements provide valuable information regarding comorbidities, including abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk, which are particularly relevant in MS due to factors like reduced mobility or medication use
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Bioimpedance
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Bioimpedance will be used to assess body composition, including body fat percentage, lean mass, and total body water. These measurements are important for understanding changes in body composition due to multiple sclerosis (MS), as the disease can impact muscle mass, fluid balance, and fat distribution. Bioimpedance provides valuable insight into the health status and nutritional needs of individuals with MS
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Bioimpedance
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Bioimpedance will be used to assess body composition, including body fat percentage, lean mass, and total body water. These measurements are important for understanding changes in body composition due to multiple sclerosis (MS), as the disease can impact muscle mass, fluid balance, and fat distribution. Bioimpedance provides valuable insight into the health status and nutritional needs of individuals with MS
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Physical Activity Levels
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
To assess physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), both the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and triaxial accelerometers can be adapted to account for the mobility limitations often experienced by these individuals. The IPAQ can be tailored by including questions that specifically address low-impact or moderate-intensity activities, considering factors such as fatigue and muscle weakness. Triaxial accelerometers, which measure movement in three planes (vertical, lateral, and anterior-posterior), provide a more detailed and precise measurement of physical activity, capturing even small movements or low-intensity activities such as walking short distances. Together, these tools allow for a comprehensive assessment of physical activity levels in MS patients, while considering their unique needs and capabilities. Additionally, the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) methodology should be adjusted to reflect the lower intensity of activities commonly p
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Physical Activity Levels
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
To assess physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), both the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and triaxial accelerometers can be adapted to account for the mobility limitations often experienced by these individuals. The IPAQ can be tailored by including questions that specifically address low-impact or moderate-intensity activities, considering factors such as fatigue and muscle weakness. Triaxial accelerometers, which measure movement in three planes (vertical, lateral, and anterior-posterior), provide a more detailed and precise measurement of physical activity, capturing even small movements or low-intensity activities such as walking short distances. Together, these tools allow for a comprehensive assessment of physical activity levels in MS patients, while considering their unique needs and capabilities. Additionally, the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) methodology should be adjusted to reflect the lower intensity of activities commonly p
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Dietary and Nutritional Follow-up
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Mediterranean Diet adherence questionnaires and food diaries could be effective tools for evaluating nutrition, particularly if MS patients have poor consumption of essential nutrients for their overall health
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Dietary and Nutritional Follow-up
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Mediterranean Diet adherence questionnaires and food diaries could be effective tools for evaluating nutrition, particularly if MS patients have poor consumption of essential nutrients for their overall health
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The Kurtzke Disability Scale
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
The Kurtzke Disability Scale (EDSS) is divided into 8 functional systems (FS); four primary: pyramidal function, cerebellar function, sensory function, and brainstem function; and four secondary: sphincters, vision, mental, and others. For each FS, a severity score is provided, ranging from 0 to 6 or 7. The overall score of the scale is measured on a 20-item scale (from 0 to 10 points, increasing in half-point increments). Up to 3.5, the score obtained in each FS and the number of affected FS automatically determine the EDSS score. From 4 to 7, the definition of each level is also given by the ability to walk (ability to walk without stopping, need for assistance)
Baseline (pre-intervention).
The Kurtzke Disability Scale
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The Kurtzke Disability Scale (EDSS) is divided into 8 functional systems (FS); four primary: pyramidal function, cerebellar function, sensory function, and brainstem function; and four secondary: sphincters, vision, mental, and others. For each FS, a severity score is provided, ranging from 0 to 6 or 7. The overall score of the scale is measured on a 20-item scale (from 0 to 10 points, increasing in half-point increments). Up to 3.5, the score obtained in each FS and the number of affected FS automatically determine the EDSS score. From 4 to 7, the definition of each level is also given by the ability to walk (ability to walk without stopping, need for assistance).
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Subjective Sleep Quality Questionnaire
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention).
Subjective sleep quality will be measured using the Karolinska Sleep Diary questionnaire [73]. The questionnaire includes the following items: a) sleep quality (very poor [1] - very good [5]), b) sleep tranquility (very restless [1] - very calm [5]), c) ease of falling asleep (very difficult [1] - very easy [5]), d) awakenings (woke up too early [1] - did not wake up early [3]), e) ease of waking up (very difficult [1] - very easy [5]), f) feeling of rest (did not rest at all [1] - fully rested [3]), and g) sufficient sleep (no, definitely too little [1] - yes, definitely enough [5]).
Baseline (pre-intervention).
Subjective Sleep Quality Questionnaire
Time Frame: 48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Subjective sleep quality will be measured using the Karolinska Sleep Diary questionnaire [73]. The questionnaire includes the following items: a) sleep quality (very poor [1] - very good [5]), b) sleep tranquility (very restless [1] - very calm [5]), c) ease of falling asleep (very difficult [1] - very easy [5]), d) awakenings (woke up too early [1] - did not wake up early [3]), e) ease of waking up (very difficult [1] - very easy [5]), f) feeling of rest (did not rest at all [1] - fully rested [3]), and g) sufficient sleep (no, definitely too little [1] - yes, definitely enough [5]).
48 hours after the last exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Sleep Quality Measured by Actigraph
Time Frame: The week prior to the start of the intervention. Baseline (pre-intervention).
Sleep quality based on actigraphy will be evaluated using the Actiwatch wGT3X-BT activity monitoring system (Cambridge Neurotechnology, Cambridge, UK) [74]. This device uses a piezoelectric accelerometer to measure activity. Participants will wear the Actiwatch on their non-dominant wrist. The lower sensitivity threshold for actigraphy will be set at 80 counts/epoch. Data analysis will begin at the start of the nighttime rest period (bedtime) and conclude at the start of daytime activity (wake-up time).
The week prior to the start of the intervention. Baseline (pre-intervention).
Sleep Quality Measured by Actigraph
Time Frame: The week following the completion of the intervention (post-intervention assessment).
Sleep quality based on actigraphy will be evaluated using the Actiwatch wGT3X-BT activity monitoring system (Cambridge Neurotechnology, Cambridge, UK) [74]. This device uses a piezoelectric accelerometer to measure activity. Participants will wear the Actiwatch on their non-dominant wrist. The lower sensitivity threshold for actigraphy will be set at 80 counts/epoch. Data analysis will begin at the start of the nighttime rest period (bedtime) and conclude at the start of daytime activity (wake-up time)
The week following the completion of the intervention (post-intervention assessment).
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Time Frame: Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
To measure delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a 10-point visual analogue scale shall be used, where 1 = no pain and 10 = intolerable pain
Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Subjective Perception of Effort
Time Frame: Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Participants will be instructed and familiarized with the use of the RPE scale during the familiarization phase. RPE will be assessed before, during (after each exercise within the session), and after the training session using the Borg 6-20 RPE scale
Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
Fatigue Visual Analog Scale (VAS-F)
Time Frame: Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).
The VAS-F will be used to measure fatigue. This scale, is subdivided into two subscales: fatigue and energy. The VAS-F features a 100 mm long horizontal line, with the term "none" at one end and "very severe" at the opposite end. Participants are required to mark the point on the line corresponding to their perception of the severity of fatigue between these two endpoints.
Immediately after each physical exercise session (post-intervention assessment).

Collaborators and Investigators

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

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 (Actual)

April 15, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 15, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

July 28, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 20, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 13, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

March 19, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 24, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 22, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

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Clinical Trials on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting

Clinical Trials on Strength training, nutrition, and behavioral training

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